In an Italian household, Christmas Eve is full of tradition. It is a night that not only brings the family closer together, but a night to eat dishes that remind us of our childhoods. Many people ask why do we eat seven fishes each Christmas Eve, and the answer is to represent the seven sacraments we celebrate and receive as Catholics. So with that idea in place we make sure that each fish is cooked well and flavorful.
Each year since I can remember we have celebrated this day with my father’s side of the family. It is a day that brings all the aunts, uncles, and cousins old and young together to reminisce of grandparents that have left us here on earth, but have made sure to leave us with funny stories and delicious recipes. My wonderful cousin hosts the event each year and does such a great job with all of the cooking, and this year I asked if I can bring an appetizer to add to the fishes.
This morning I have prepared Crab Stuffed Mushrooms. Such a simple and full of flavor mushroom with just a little bit of decadence, because it is the holidays after all!!
To start I took two packages of large stuffing white mushrooms and brushed them with a damp cloth. NEVER!!! I repeat NEVER!!! wash your mushrooms. They will absorb all of the water and turn into mush. All you need to do is take a damp clean dishcloth and brush off any dirt that may be on the mushroom. Once this was all done I took all of the stems and put them in a food processor with half a vidalia onion, 3 cloves of garlic, a big bunch of parsley and parmesan cheese. After the mix is all processed I poured the mix into a hot pan with olive oil. Let the mixture sauté for about 10 minutes and then add your salt and pepper to taste. I then took the mixture and combined with breadcrumbs.
Once you have all the cooked ingredients mixed with the breadcrumbs add about 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of spicy mustard, two sprigs of fresh thyme, and a cup of cooked crab meat. Mix and then start stuffing. You want to make sure each mushroom has a good amount of stuffing. Once all are stuffed add the lump crabmeat on top of each mushroom. Drizzle with olive oil on top and bake in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes. Voila delicious crab stuffed mushrooms perfect for Christmas Eve or any occasion 🙂
Ingredients:
- two packages of large stuffing mushrooms
- 1 cup of crab meat
- 1 cup of lump crab meat
- breadcrumbs (Italian style)
- fresh parsley (a big handful)
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp spicy mustard
- parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- half a vidalia onion
- salt and pepper to taste
Cooking by Jessica 