Morel Mushroom Toasts Recipe

• 1 pound fresh morel mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing on the bread
• 3 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme or savory leaves or a combination
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots (from about 2 medium shallots)
• 1 tablespoon Cognac
• 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1/2 medium lemon)
• 1/4 cup creme fraiche
• 4 (1/2-inch-thick) slices country bread, such as pain au levain

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. Discard any moldy mushrooms, trim the bottoms of the stems, and cut away any discolored spots.
3. Soak the mushrooms in several changes of cold water to remove any grit.
4. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Cut into 1/4-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.
6. Add the measured oil, garlic, and herbs and season with salt and pepper.
7. Transfer to 13-by-9-inch baking dish and spread in an even layer.
8. Roast the mushrooms until tender, stirring halfway through the cooking time, about 20 minutes total.
9. (Toward the end of the cooking time, the morels will release some of their juices.)
10. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small, nonreactive frying pan over medium heat until foaming.
11. Add the shallots, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes.
12. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the Cognac.
13. Return the pan to medium heat and simmer until the alcohol smell has cooked off, about 30 seconds.
14. Remove the pan from the heat again, add the vinegar and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
15. Stir in the creme fraiche, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed; set the pan aside.
16. When the mushrooms are ready, remove the baking dish from the oven, add the shallotcreme fraiche mixture, and stir to combine.
17. Return to the oven and bake until the flavors have melded, about 5 minutes.
18. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
19. Set the oven to broil.
20. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
21. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
22. Broil until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
23. Transfer the toasts to a serving dish and spoon all of the mushrooms and sauce over them.
24. Serve immediately.

mushrooms, extravirgin olive oil, garlic, thyme, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, unsalted butter, shallots, cognac, champagne vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, creme fraiche, country bread

Taken from www.chowhound.com/recipes/morel-mushroom-toasts-29615 (may not work)