These were SO INCREDIBLY tasty! Add on that they were also very easy to whip up and you've got a go-to appetizer that makes people happy. In fact, I made this for a friend who was wary of mushrooms and needless to say, she's now in love :)
The initial stuffing for these includes your standard equation for deliciousness: garlic, butter, parsley and lemon juice. But the refreshing addition of lemon zest really made these little guys pop. It also helped them pair perfectly with the New Zealand Sauv Blanc that I served. The Food Network recipe called for way more butter than I used - so they were not only really good, but they also qualified for 'semi-healthy' with the reduction of butter. (Also, I use Earth Balance, which is a non-dairy buttery spread that tastes really amazing.)
After a first round in the oven with the initial stuffing from above - the criminis were ready to receive their second filling: sauteed spoonfuls of shallot, lump crab meat and crisp white wine which had been reducing on the stove top. A generous sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs along with a few minutes under the broiler and we were in business. These are some seriously addicting appetizers! One reviewer called these the perfect balance of 'surf and earth.'
Enjoy!
Here's the recipe: Crabby Crimini Mushrooms
