by Alexa Sparkman, MA, RD, LD with Rebecca Pennington, UT Nutrition student

Crab stuffed cremini mushrooms bursting with Italian flavors can be a wonderful appetizer for your next party.


WHAT YOU NEED

35 cremini mushrooms $3.31
2 tbsp. olive oil $0.10
1 tbsp. unsalted butter $0.12
3 cloves garlic, minced $0.15
2 tbsp. capers, chopped $0.97
2 tsp. lemon zest $0.33
Juice of one lemon
2 six-ounce cans crab meat $7.62
½ cup chicken stock $0.25
½ cup dry white wine $1.66
1/3 cup Italian parsley, chopped $0.26
¾ cup bread crumbs $0.75
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese $1.01

HOW TO MAKE IT

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

1. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and set aside for later.

2. Line baking sheet with foil and brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place mushrooms, grill side up, on baking sheet and set aside.

3. Dice mushroom stems finely.

4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in sauce pan over medium heat.

5. Add garlic, diced mushroom stems, capers, lemon zest and juice from half of a lemon.

6. Drain crab meat and add to sauce pan. Sauté for five minutes.

7. Add chicken stock and white wine to the crab mixture. Lower heat and simmer for five minutes to reduce liquids.

8. In a medium mixing bowl, combine parsley, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese.

9. Add crab mixture to bread crumb mixture along with juice from remaining half of lemon.

10. Spoon stuffing into each mushroom. Bake for 15 minutes.

Makes about 12 servings


BREAKDOWN

Serving size: 3 pieces
Calories: 135 cal
Protein: 11g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 328 mgs
Cholesterol: 24 mgs


Total Cost $16.53
At-Home Cost for 8 Mushrooms $3.76
Restaurant Cost for 8 Mushrooms $6.99


NOW YOU KNOW

1. The cremini mushroom is the same variety as a white button mushroom, just allowed to mature longer to develop a more intense flavor.

2. Mushrooms are a good source of selenium, B vitamins and potassium.

3. The copper and zinc found in mushrooms promote oxygen flow through the body.