Mushroom Bites

[coles magazine christmas special - december 2006, p.49]

makes 15-17 preparation 15 mins cooking 15 mins

200g cup mushrooms, trim stems and reserve
1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup double cream
1/2 cup grated tasty or mozzarella cheese
extra sprigs of thyme, for garnish

1. pre-heat oven to 200C.

2. melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add mushroom stems, onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 mins, until softened.

3. place mushroom mixture, thyme, walnuts and double cream in a food processor with a pinch of salt and pepper and process to combine.

4. spoon mixture into cup mushrooms and place on a lightly greased or baking-paper-lined baking tray. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 10-12 mins or until golden. Serve garnished with an extra sprig of thyme.

tip:
for a delicious variation, stir in 1/4 cup finely diced bacon into filling before spooning into mushrooms.