Sonia's Stuffed Mushrooms and Making Friends with Food

My husband and I were having one of our debriefing nights last week after work.  I was reliving memories of a friend that I learned just passed away the night before...way too young.

Sonia was one of the first friends I made when I moved to the Palm Springs area after college.  We were co-workers and became good friends, then a couple years later roommates.  Sonia had impeccable taste and a true perfectionist.  She was a very talented designer and a kind, caring soul.

One vivid memory I have of Sonia during my college internship was her taking me to El Pollo Loco during our lunch hour.  Since I was from Alaska, I had no idea what this restaurant was...but I loved it! We spent these lunches getting to know each other and where we had both come from.  We laughed about our college experiences (as we both went to the same design school).  We talked about our dreams and plans for the future.

Sonia taught me the correct way to eat their 2 piece chicken platter.  First, you definitely must upgrade to the all chicken breast only plate...totally worth it.  Second, slather their frozen butter all over the flour tortilla before you fill it with the chicken, rice and beans.  Delicioso!!

Sonia was also an incredible cook.  She was famous for her turkey tacos and taught me this unbelievably, easy oven halibut that is amazing!  I also have her recipe for the best oven baked artichoke dip that I could just eat by the spoonful.

I also remembered these stuffed mushrooms that Sonia would make for every company potluck, baby shower, and "friendsgiving".  They are such a delectable treat.  I try to make them every year for either Christmas or New Years parties...or even just Friday nosh night at home.

Sonia will be very missed by all her loving friends and family.  I am still in shock, but pray and know that she is in a kinder, better place now.  I will definitely keep making her recipes and remembering her forever.

In honor of Sonia, I made her mushrooms this weekend.  I am so happy that she gave me her family recipe 25+ years ago.  As you can see from the photo of her original recipe she gave me, this has been well used...and yes that is melted butter stains all over it.  You know it's a good recipe when it is covered in its ingredients... wouldn't you agree?  More than that though, I truly am blessed that she was brought into my life.

Sonia's Stuffed Mushrooms

1-1/2 pounds large mushrooms (some small & large)

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

1-1/2 tsp salt

1 cup seasoned stuffing mix (crushed with rolling pin)

1 cup Mozzarella cheese, finely shredded

1 cup minced fresh onion

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 Tbl minced parsley

1/4 tsp Oregano

Pull stems and chop up mushrooms, wash and soak in water the rest.  When caps are clean, lay out on towel and dry well.

While mushroom caps are drying, cook chopped stems with butter, onion, salt, parsley, oregano, and garlic for 5 minutes.

Stir in stuffing crumbs and cheese.

Take off stove and spoon in mushroom caps.

Put oven rack at lowest level.  Broil for approximately 8 minutes, watching them carefully so as to not burn.

The secret ingredient to this...Stove Top Savory Herbs Stuffing!

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