The other evening we had some friends stopping by, and we wanted to put out a few little nibbles to serve alongside a glass of wine. I don’t know about you, but I get tired of serving the same old cheese plate, and I am sure my guests are tired of eating the same old cheese plate! I am always on the lookout for a couple new and exciting go-to appetizer recipes for impromptu dinner parties.

This recipe is easily made at the drop of a hat when mushrooms, as well as baguettes, are a staple in your house. I had a portobella and oyster mushrooms left over from an earlier brunch recipe, so I decided to use them. I like the earthy texture of the portobello and the delicate texture of small oyster mushrooms, and thought the two would be perfect together.

Shallots and garlic are quickly sauteed with mushrooms to make this easy topping. I wanted the flavor of the mushrooms to come through, so I kept the seasonings simple, with just a sprinkle of black pepper and fresh thyme. Once the mushrooms were cooked, I deglazed the pan with a high quality balsamic, and then tossed the mushrooms with the rich reduction. Simply serve on the toasted baguette.

With the holidays upon us, it is nice to have something simple to make. This recipe is very easy to make and can be presented elegantly or a bit rustic as I did here. Enjoy!

Mushroom Bruschetta

1 portobello mushroom, stem removed, and cut into small pieces
handful of oyster mushrooms, on the smaller side, or slice larger ones into stems
2 small garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup high quality balsamic vinegar
1 baguette sliced thinly
olive oil
1 large garlic clove

Heat oven to broil.  Rub each slice of baguette with the large piece of garlic.  Using a pastry brush lightly coat each slice with some olive oil.  Toast in the oven until golden.  Remove and set aside.  Gently heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over low heat, add the shallots and minced garlic, slowly cook until caramelized in color;  about 10 minutes.  Add the portobello mushroom, and cook until lightly browned;  about 5 minutes.  Add the oyster mushrooms, stir, and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the thyme and season with some black pepper.  Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside in a bowl.  Add the balsamic vinegar to the frying pan, and bring to medium heat.  Using a wooden spoon, keep stirring until reduced in half, about 4 minutes.  Lower the heat, and stir the mushrooms and their juices into the reduction.  Serve on the slices of toasted baguette.

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