Mushroom Pate

• 40g packet Porcini mushrooms
• Spray oil
• 125g Chestnut mushrooms, wiped & sliced
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 110g light cream cheese
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• a few drops Tabasco
• nutmeg, freshly grated
• fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped to garnish

Soak the porcini in 100ml hot water for at least 30 mins, then drain.

Coat the base of a frying pan with about 4 sprays of oil. Heat the pan and stir fry the chestnut mushrooms and garlic for 1 minute. Remove from the pan.

Fry the soaked mushrooms for 1 minute to dry them off.

Put the cheese and lemon juice into a processor, add most of the chestnut mushrooms, reserving a few for garnish, the porcini and garlic.

Process until smooth.

Season to taste with black pepper, Tabasco and nutmeg.

Spoon into a dish and chill.

Remove from the fridge 30 mins before serving, to allow the flavours to develop.

Serve garnish with reserved sliced mushrooms and a little parsley.

Tips

A mixture of mushrooms could be used to create this pate, depending on what is available. Button mushrooms will not be as strongly flavoured.

Foraging for mushrooms is rewarding and you can enjoy the fresh air and countryside at the same time; however, only eat produce that you know is non-toxic and gather only enough for your need from common land.