Appetizer: Stuffed Mushrooms

This recipe has a blend of seasonings that duplicate that great sausage flavor, without the msg, preservatives, and other additives. The right blend of herbs and spices helps create an appetizer that balances out all the sugary, starchy foods typically found at the appetizer table. Make 45-55 stuffed mushrooms, serving parties of 20 or more.
Ingredients:
- Approx. 2 1/4 lb. med. mushrooms
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 2 TBS. minced garlic
- 2 tsp. dry Italian herbs
- 1 tsp. dry sage
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. fennel seeds, toasted and crushed
- dash nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/3 c. oatmeal
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 c. Parmesan
- 1/4 c. fresh, chopped parsley
Prepare mushroom caps, removing stems (reserve them to add to other dishes, if desired). Set mushrooms in two baking dishes, or onto a large cookie sheet: > Approx. 2 1/4 lb. med. mushrooms
Saute: > 2 lb. ground beef
When meat is cooked through, add: > 2 TBS. minced garlic > 2 tsp. dry Italian herbs > 1 tsp. dry sage > 1 tsp. black pepper > 2 tsp. fennel seeds, toasted and crushed > dash nutmeg > 1 1/2 tsp. salt
Let the seasoned, browned meat cool; it will then crumble easier. Break it up into a finer crumb and set aside.
Process until fine: > 1/3 c. oatmeal
To large bowl, add: > 3 eggs, stirred well
To the mixed-up egg, add the following: > 1/2 c. parmesan > 1/4 c. fresh, chopped parsley
Also add: > the 1/3 c. processed oatmeal > the cooked, seasoned meat
Mix all the ingredients well; bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 20-25 min. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Favorite Quotes
Verse of the Moment:
"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn--not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." John 1:12-13 (NLT)
