Mushrooms Bruschetta or simply put mushrooms on toast is a wonderful way to enjoy the bounty of mother earth! The nutty earthy flavor and almost meaty texture of mushrooms on a crusty French Baguette make an irresistible appetizer, a refreshing light lunch or a tasty little snack. I have used a variety of mushrooms here…pretty much what I found in the grocery store. You can use any variety or varieties you like. I like to top this bruschetta with some truffle oil which totally intensifies the flavor of mushrooms and add an extra zing!

What you need:
8 1/2 slices of baguette cut an angle
1 Portobello mushroom
8 Shitake mushrooms
8 Crimini mushrooms
6 Button mushrooms
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic (3 minced and one whole)
1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley
Dash of steak seasoning
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
A few sprinkles of freshly cracked pepper
Salt to taste
Truffle oil for topping
Grated Parmesan for topping

How to make:
• Heat a grill pan on high heat and spray with non stick cooking spray.
• Place the baguette slices on the pan and allow them to get grill marks.

• Remove the baguette slices and rub the surface with a whole garlic clove. Keep aside.
• Heat a pan on a medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil and butter.
• Add the minced garlic and the mushrooms after 30 seconds.
• Allow the mushrooms to cook completely. This will take about 10 – 15 minutes. The mushrooms will soften and shrink in size.
• Add the parsley, steak seasoning, worcestershire sauce, pepper and salt. Stir well. Turn off the flame.
• Spoon the mushroom mixture on the baguette slices.
• Drizzle with a few drops of truffle oil on each slice.
• Top it with grated parmesan and a sprig of parsley as garnish.

I love shrimp. Not only is it a protein packed delicious food, it also cooks really quick. This recipe is one of the quickest ways to make flavorful shrimp. All you need is a handful of ingredients and no more than 10 minutes of cooking time to spare. This is also a great dish for beginner cooks. It is so super simple to make that you cant possibly screw it up…..well….unless you forget to take the shrimp out of the oven in time. So, don’t forget to set the timer if you are absent minded like me  You can enjoy this spicy sensation either as an appetizer or as main course with some pasta on the side.

What do you need:
12 jumbo shrimp, cleaned and de-veined
1 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes
Extra virgin olive oil (enough to coat the shrimp). About 1 tablespoon.
2 cloves of garlic, finely grated.
1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Freshly cracked pepper, a few sprinkles

How to make:
• Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Butterfly shrimp by slitting down back, flatten and leave tail on.
• Place the shrimp in an oven proof casserole or baking dish.
• Add the chilli flakes, oil, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper.
• Mix well till the shrimps are well coated with the ingredients.
• Place the shrimp in the oven for about 5 -6 minutes or till the shrimp is pink and cooked.
• Serve hot.