10 foods to prevent cancer Eat. Drink. Better. lists mushroom among their top 10 foods to prevent cancer. Mushrooms also help build the immune system.

The vitamin D cure D is for DYNAMO! WXYZ – Detroit notes the endless benefits of vitamin D, including enhanced mood, diabetes prevention, weight loss, and more!

US shiitake market mushrooming According to Science Blog, shiitakes are the third most popular mushroom species in the U.S. Not only do they taste great, but they have a multitude of health benefits!

Vitamin D may protect against common cold Fighting a cold? CNN reports that vitamin D can help!

Go vegetarian for Lent Observing Lent but sick of fish on Fridays? The Killen Daily Herald has some tasty meatless ideas for you to try.

There’s no magic trick to a good stuffed mushroom appetizer Not a top chef? No worries, Demopolis Times will show you a simple way to make an appetizer that sure to get rave reviews!

Cynthia Sass, MS, RD, a Mushroom Council spokesperson, appeared on FOX’s national morning show, “Mike & Juliet” this week (full video after the jump). Cynthia highlighted their natural selenium and vitamin D, which help boost your mood during this blues season.

The segment, which can be viewed here, illustrated to viewers that “comfort food” does exist but it can be much healthier than what we’ve come to expect from meatloaf, mashed potatoes or the full pan of brownies!

Chicken Marasala is a favorite around here- mushrooms and chicken in a rich, classic broth is usually a win/win situation!  Chef Tips did a great video post that we’re happy to share:

The Mushroom Council is thrilled to have Monica Pope as a member of our Chef Advisory Panel. Her restaurant t’afia in Houston features coastal Mediterranean cuisine inspired by local ingredients. It also features lots and lots of mushrooms.

Our colleague Danielle Wiley recently visited t’afia with a large group of mom bloggers. To read more about their dining adventure, check out this post on her site, Foodmomiac. We are also pleased to share one of Monica’s recipes. Featuring plump shiitakes, beef and balsamic vinegar, it is a veritable tribute to umami.

Balsamic Caramel Base

• 3          quarts vegetable, chicken or veal stock
• 3/4       cup balsamic vinegar
• 3/4       cup sweet soy sauce (kecap manis; see Note)
• 6          tablespoons sugar
• 1          tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1          tablespoon ginger, minced

Gomaishio

• 1/4        cup black sesame seeds
• 1/4        cup white sesame seeds
• 1 1/2     teaspoons red chili flakes
• 1             sheet nori
• 1             tablespoon kosher salt
• Olive oil as needed
• 6            pounds beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2    pounds shiitake mushroom caps, roasted
• 3            pounds beets, roasted, diced
• 3/4       cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8            cups medium-grain sticky rice, cooked
• Shaved, unsweetened coconut, toasted, for garnish
• Fresh chives, minced, for garnish

Directions

1. For Balsamic Caramel Base: Bring stock, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, garlic and ginger to a boil in pot. Set aside. (Makes about 14 cups)
2. For Gomaishio: Toast nori in dry pan, then pulse it in a spice grinder or food processor until minced. Mix with sesame seeds, chili and salt. (Makes about 1 1/2 cups)
3. For each serving, to order: Heat dash of oil in sauté pan. Sear 4 ounces of beef to brown, remove from pan. Add 1/2 cup Balsamic Caramel Base, 1 ounce of mushrooms and 2 ounces of beets. Swirl in 1 tablespoon butter, boil until it reaches sauce consistency. Add back the beef to warm through. Plate 1 cup sticky rice, top with beef and sauce mixture. Garnish with 1 teaspoon gomaishio, dash of toasted coconut and chives.

Note: If unable to find kecap manis, substitute 3/4 cup regular soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons molasses and 1 or 2 star anise pods.

This week’s Mushroom Recipe comes to us from Nina at Veggie-Wedgie.

Nina gives us a delicious Grecian perspective on oyster mushrooms, which she notes are really common in Greek cuisine and are particularly tasty when grilled with fresh herbs (rosemary & oregano in this dish).  As we’re always compelled by the storied “Mediterranean Diet,”  this looked like a healthy dinner we needed to try- you can find the full recipe after the jump!