Snack Time!

While I normally love to cook, I hate cooking for myself.  If there's no one there to share the food with, cooking seems sort of pointless and almost lonely.  So, when I am facing a meal alone, I generally just grab a handful of this and a bowl of that out of the cabinets and refrigerator and call it dinner. 

However...

I do make the occasional exception.  Like for this quick and easy concoction.  These dry fried mushrooms make a great snack, side dish, appetizer, or light dinner.  

Just grab some fresh shrooms... these are crimini, which are the same price as white but more flavorful.  Plain 'ol white mushrooms will work as well, as will portabellas and probably some other types.

Pop out the stem (and reserve for other uses if you wish), wipe any residual dirt off, and place them on a skillet on med-low heat. Sprinkle whatever seasonings you wish into the cup.  I LOVE these with tarragon.  For some reason, to me, mushrooms and tarragon just belong together. I also add some garlic powder, pepper, and perhaps some salt.  If you wish, add a bit of cheese (colby jack is pictured) or butter to the cups.  Feel free to experiment with the seasonings and add-ins (and share the winners in the comments)!

Cook them until the juices well up in the cup and bubble a bit.  If you are using cheese or butter, you'll want to cover the skillet so that melty goodness can occur.  If not, you can leave them uncovered for a drier product.

And then...

 
Serve with a glass of wine for a delicious snack!  Perfect for sharing, but quick, easy, and decadent enough to be worth the while for one.

I think I want some more...