LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2020

MEATLESS COMFORTS

Oyster Beautiful, delicate and velvety oyster mush- rooms are usually sold in fanned, bouquet-like bunches. When cooked, they yield juicier results than other varieties. This makes them great for shredding. No need to slice, just gen- tly tear. If you’re looking for something special, pink oyster mushrooms can be found at your local farmers’ market or gourmet food store at this time of year. Portobello/Portobella This incredibly earthy mushroom may be one of the meatiest varieties. It’s also one of the largest options with caps that usually range from 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) wide. For light-coloured dishes, use a spoon to gently remove the gills because they can darken the dish. White Button and Crimini White button mushrooms are mild, versatile and widely available. They are the best-selling mushroom in North America. Cooking brings out their subtle flavour. Crimini (or brown mushrooms) are younger, smaller portobellos. Similar in size to button, these firmer, brown-coloured mushrooms have more depth of flavour. Porcini and Shiitake Porcini (also known as cèpes or boletes) are a favourite in Europe. Dried versions of these can be found in the produce section or at your local gourmet food store. Shiitake have a thin yet sturdy cap that ranges from light to dark brown. They’re gener- ally small but carry intense woodsy flavour so a little goes a long way. Mushrooms are the ultimate meat-alternative (sorry eggplant and tofu). Learn more about four of the different varieties called for in our recipes. Mushrooms 101

WHAT TO SERVE

Pulled Mushroom Sandwiches Mushroom-based dishes and Pinot Noir are a classic gastro- nomic pairing. This example’s red berry fruit and light smoky, earthy tones will marry well with the barbecued mush- rooms and sauce. Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 130989, $25.95

Baked Mushroom Parmigiana Earth and herb flavours in this Tuscan red will

Indian-Style Buttered Mushroom & Pea Curry The floral, citrus and sweet malt tones in this pilsner will tame the spice. Serve it cool; its balanced bitter hops and carbon- ation gently refresh the palate. Hespeler Brewing Canadian Heritage Gold Pilsner LCBO 13240, 473 mL, $3.25

Umami Mushroom Gravy

This sparkler’s earthy, creamy elements echo the mushroom flavours and boost the umami nuances of the gravy. The bubbles and crisp acidity act as pal- ate cleansers. Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne LCBO 462432, $59.95

elevate those ele- ments in the Par- migiana. The wine’s structure provides a foil to the rich- ness of the dish. Monte Antico VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 69377, $15.95

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AUTUMN 2020 FOOD & DRINK