An Inspiration from Julie and Julia
I finally made it to the theater last Tuesday to see this film. It rates an A+ in my book. Meryl Streep was magnificent as Julia Child. I laughed; I cried; I drooled. I was inspired. The next day I donned my pearls, tied on my apron, tucked my little tea towel into the waist band, and headed for the refrigerator. I was ready to try my hand at creating something totally new.
These little appetizers were the result, and I must say that they are very tasty little things.
What you'll need:
baguette slices, about 7 or 8, 1/4" to 1/2" thick
2 medium button mushrooms, chopped
1/2 T butter
1 green onion, sliced
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp white wine
3 T heavy cream
2 slices baby Swiss cheese, chopped (sandwich-size slices)
bacon bits
Preheat the broiler. Melt the butter and saute the mushrooms over medium heat for a few minutes. Add the green onion (save a little of the tops for garnish) and the garlic and continue to cook. Add the wine and cook until it has evaporated. Set this mixture to the side.
Let the pan cool. Add the cream and place over a very low heat. Once the cream begins to warm, add the cheese, stirring until it has melted and the mixture begins to thicken. Return the mushroom mixture to the pan and add the bacon bits. Remove pan from heat and let the mixture slightly cool.
Lightly toast one side of the bread slices. Flip them over and spread the mushroom mixture evenly over the bread slices. Return them to the broiler and broil until lightly browned. Sprinkle with green onion tops.
These are so rich and filling that they can be served alongside a salad for a nice lunch or a light dinner.
If you enjoy cooking and haven't seen this movie, you should. No telling how many bouef bourguignons have been cooked up since this movie's release. And the chocolate cake, well, I don't eat a lot of sweets, but now I absolutely must try that cake.
Bon Appetit!
