Wild Mushroom Crustini with Goat Cheese

Have you ever really looked at a mushroom? Next time you see some at the market or grocery store, just look at them. They are one of the coolest things going, very prehistoric. I just love the colour and textures that they come in, not to mention the earthy smells and taste. We have just gotten a mushroom guy at the Cambridge Farmers Market. They bring the neatest mushrooms: white, cremini, portabella, oyster, blue oyster, cinnamon caps, etc. 

I love to make this dish and throw in a sampling of different types of mushrooms.  In place of shallots I have used regular white onions, red onion, Spanish onion.  As for the vinegar, I would probably avoid using light vinegar (white, rice, etc) and would use the balsamic or even a red wine.  I am always on the lookout for interesting ingredients and found a Baco Noir Vinegar which has wonderful qualities and will use this. I totally cheat on the garlic and buy the bottles of pre-minced garlic for regular every day cooking.

If you can manage a frying pan and a toaster this is easy and quite elegant!

Wild Mushroom Crustini with Goat Cheese

2 tsp	Olive oil
2	Shallots, finely chopped
2	Cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb	Mushrooms, trimmed and sliced (you can use any mushroom or combination)
1 tsp	Pepper ( I am generous with this as I love pepper)
2 tsp	Fresh thyme, or ½ tsp dried ( I tend to be a little generous with the thyme)
Salt	to taste
2 tsp	Balsamic vinegar
3 oz	Goat cheese, at room tempature
2 tbsp	Sour cream or plain yogurt
1 clove	Garlic, minced
20 slices	Whole wheat or white baguette (I have used any number of different types of bread)

Heat oil in large frying pan on med heat.  Add shallots and chopped garlic and cook gently for 2 minutes.

Add mushrooms, thyme, ½ tsp pepper. When mushrooms begin to release liquid add the vinegar, increase heat and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes. Add salt and stir.

In a bowl, blend goat cheese, sour cream, remaining pepper and garlic.

Grill or toast bread until toasty on outside. Spread with cheese mixture and top with mushrooms. You can garnish with some fresh thyme and a little parmesan cheese.

ENJOY!