Stilton Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Up until 7 years ago, blue cheese never used to be on my list of favorites. I was on a cruise in Alaska with my husband. After dinner blue cheese was served and I was converted. My parents loved blue cheese and the more veins the cheese had (hence more smell), the more they enjoyed it. Of the blue cheeses I’ve tried (Stilton, Danish Blue, Roquefort, Gorgonzola) Roquefort remains king for me. Stilton cheese was first made in the early 18th century in the midlands of England (Melton Mowbray area). Blue cheeses tend to be sharp and a bit salty. The smell of this food is widely considered to be pungent, even as compared to other cheeses. Did you know that the Portobello mushroom has more potassium than a banana? Foods rich in potassium help maintain normal heart rhythm, balance fluids and protect muscle and nerve function. Mushrooms are neither vegetable or fruit but are a fungus with excellent sources of protein, fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and minerals.

Serves 6
recipe from National Baking Week UK

6 portobello mushrooms
2 shallots, finely chopped
100g white breadcrumbs
250g Stilton cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
knob of butter
salt and pepper to season

Preheat the oven to 180°c (350°F). Remove the stalks from the portobello mushrooms, place the mushrooms onto a non-stick oven tray and on a chopping board finely chop the mushroom stalks. Place a knob of butter in a frying pan; add the chopped shallots and mushroom stalks and sauté for approximately 5 minutes. Spoon the mixture evenly between the 6 flat mushrooms. Mix the breadcrumbs, parsley and Stilton cheese together. Generously spoon the breadcrumb mixture on top of each mushroom and season with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

The Culinary Chase’s Note: These were delicious and the meaty flavor of the portobello mushroom mingled well with the Stilton. Make these again using button mushrooms as an appetizer your family and friends can easily pop into their mouth!