Mushroom & Cheese Bruschetta

Health benefits of good food, good wine, and olive oil are being touted in the news. Of course this is true; add exercise and you have the perfect 4. What better grouping? Science is continuously looking closely at how complex human nutrition really is and what we can do to help ourselves. Sorry, there is no magic bullet. One glass of wine, or 2 tablespoons of olive oil (real olive oil) will not a healthy person make. But it is a start.

Some studies attribute better health to red wine, others to white, the more cautious to both. Most probably the interaction of both with a great diet, including olive oil, is the answer. As the lead investigator, Iris Shai, from Ben-Gurion University in Israel, states, “each individual could respond differently and should consult his practitioner first”. Sensible response, I have said that myself to lots of people. We all need a touchstone.

So here is a suggestion for helping your heart from our heart at IL Fiorello. Be kind to your friends for Valentine’s Day. Give them a bottle of really good tasting olive oil and cook a wonderful dinner of real food. Heed the Oldways Common Ground Consensus Statement: Food should be good for human health, good for the planet, and just plain good – unapologetically delicious.

Walk to the store and purchase these ingredients for dinner. Then walk home and prepare a lovely meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons Organic IL Fiorello Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Frantoio
• 6 more tablespoons oil for drizzling on the bread
• 4-5 cups fresh mushrooms (Mycopia from Petaluma is a wonderful source if you are not into your own foraging)
• 1-2 tsp oregano (chopped)
• 1-2 tsp thyme (chopped)
• 2-3 shallots or equivalent amount of finely chopped white onions
• Mozzarella (sliced) or buratta (spooned) cheese
• Baguette, sliced on the diagonal. Toast each slice and drizzle with olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Sautée the onions and mushrooms in the olive oil about 5-6 minutes
• Add the herbal seasonings to taste
• Toast the bread and top with olive oil
• Place the cheese on the bread
• Add the mushroom and herb mixture on top
• Drizzle with more oil
• Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for taste and beauty
• Arrange the finished bruschetta on a platter
• Serve with a green salad of arugula and lettuce lightly seasoned with oil.
• Accompany with a glass of red or white wine of your choice

Wine Suggestions: Farmstrong Field White from Suisun Valley, winemaker Faith Armstrong-Foster. Or try her Sparkling wine from their Onward label. A beautiful Petillant Naturel of Malvasia Bianca. Verduno Pelaverga from Piedmonte Italy or Turkovich Roussane from nearby Yolo County CA.

Ciao,

Ann