2183. GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS stuffed with BACON and CARAMELIZED ONION PUREE, MASHED POTATOES, FONTINA CHEESE and SLICED ITALIAN PROSCUITTO

makes four servings


For the Puree:
1 cup diced bacon (about 6 ounces)
4 cups sliced yellow onions

For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 large potatoes, peeled, diced (about 1 1/2 pound)
1/2 to 3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons cold butter, diced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt
White pepper

For the Mushrooms:
4 baby portobello mushrooms, 2 1/2 to 3-inch diameter
Olive oil
4 slices Fontina cheese, 3 inches square
4 slices Italian prosciutto
4 wedges radicchio lettuce
2 cups arugula
3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 clove garlic, minced

Bacon Puree: In large heavy skillet, combine bacon and onions. Cook over medium heat until onions are very soft and dark brown, about 1 hour. While hot, puree in food processor. Set aside and keep warm. You will need 1 cup puree for this recipe.

Mashed Potatoes: Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Meanwhile, scald heavy cream. Drain and rice potatoes in food mill. Transfer potatoes to large bowl, add cream and stir vigorously. Add butter, continuing to stir potatoes. Stir in olive oil. Adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper. Set aside and keep warm. You will need 3 cups for this recipe.

Mushrooms: Prepare a hot grill. Remove stems and gills from mushrooms. Brush mushrooms with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from grill. Fill mushrooms with bacon puree. Spoon a good size dollop of mashed potatoes over the bacon. Top with a slice of cheese and a slice of prosciutto, pleated to fit. Place mushrooms on cooler part of grill until cheese is melted and gooey. While mushrooms are warming, season radicchio with salt and pepper. Grill both sides until slightly wilted and starting to turn brown.

Final Preparation: In medium bowl, toss grilled radicchio, arugula, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. Divide onto four plates. Top each with a stuffed mushroom. Serve immediately.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Chefs Michael Smith and Debbie Gold, 40 Sardines, 11942 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas, (913) 451-1040 | Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, 8418 Excelsior Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53717, (608) 836-8820, info@EatWisconsinCheese.com