I thought I’d end January with a contest, this time double food-related. Last time the contest was about animal tracks, this version will be about spore-bearing fruiting fungus bodies. Doesn’t that sound appetizing? I’ll fill you in on the nutritional aspects of fungus in a day or so, but for now, I’ll just open the door to guesses.
So, what is this? Be specific, no general answers. This is a two-part question; identify both versions. I’ll give it a week and the winner will be the lucky recipient of something kitchen or food related. And although I hate to discriminate, I can only ship to U.S. addresses. But I invite answers from anywhere on the planet. Even from Karen, my favorite ramblingspoon, who is off wandering around somewhere in northern Thailand.
The grand prize isn’t all that grand, but it is a fun little culinary-related gadget. It’s not worth shipping very far though, certainly not half-way around the world.
I’m thinking maybe Cindy, my busy little rocket-scientist/food-chemistry neighbor at cindalouskitchenblues will figure this one out fairly quickly. But who knows, she might be off messing with microquasars or busy unlocking galactic mysteries, so hurry and give it a try before she gets back.
Good luck!
Melissa
Weird thing #1
Weird thing #2
The fork is for size perspective only. I wasn’t eating these things like this, but stay tuned for a recipe once we figure out what they are.
#1- my failed attempt at sprouting/gardening something edible
#2- looks like an edible loofah to me!
I don’t have a clue, but I’m hoping these come with a story and some recipes (licking lips). Jon and I are going to start making our own komboucha this weekend. I know, it is not “mushroom” per say, but it is fungus-like good bacteria/yeast based. Does that count? I guess it doesn’t help me with your mystery ‘shrooms there though
So cool! This is a tough one.
I’m going to guess Hen of the Woods for the first one and then I have no clue for the second one, though I remember learning about a “Chicken Mushroom” at one point. For some reason only poultry related mushrooms stick in my head!
I can’t wait to hear more about them!
A maitake mushroom cluster and some variety of sea sponge?
oh fun! how exciting!
1) maitake mushrooms
2) lion’s mane mushroom?
We have a big mushroom festival here every year in October, and there are sooo many cool varieties. Where did you get yours???
Hey girls — I’ll let you know in a few days. Thanks for having fun with this! Good answers — and yes, Cindy, #2 does look like an edible loofah! Very funny. I’ll be back with the answer soon.