Jessamine Shiitake Recipes

Shiitake is the ultimate health food. It shows powerful immune-stimulating properties, making it a valuable ally against cancer, leukemia, lymphosarcoma, and Hodgkin’s disease. It reduces serum cholesterol; regulates high and low blood pressure; improves stomach and duodenal ulcers, neuralgia, gout, and constipation; counteracts fatigue; generates stamina; and improves complexion. The benefits of Shiitake have been well documented in Japan’s medical research over the years.

(Scroll down for Recipes)

- Jessamine Shiitake Pesto -

8 ounces Jessamine Shiitake
1/2 cup pecans
3 large cloves garlic
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Combine Shiitake caps, pecans, garlic, parsley, and basil in food processor and pulse until coarsly chopped. Slowly add olive oil in food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
Serve Shiitake Pesto on thin-sliced, toasted baguette; white pizza; assorted crackers; or as a sandwich spread or pasta topper.

- Jessamine Shiitake Onion Soup -

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium sweet onions
8 ounces Jessamine Shiitake
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Romano cheese

Combine olive oil, butter, onions, and Shiitake in large sauce pan and saulte for 2 minutes. Add broth, soy sauce, brown sugar. Simmer for 20 minutes. Top with Parmesan and Romano cheeses.
Serve Shiitake Onion Soup sided with toasted French bread topped with chopped parsley and garlic butter.

- Jessamine Shiitake Pita Pocket with Avocado Butter -

1 stick softened butter
1/4 cup cream cheese
1 ripe avocado
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce
8 medium Jessamine Shiitake caps sliced
2 whole pita pockets cut in half
Leafy Lettuce or Spinach

Pulse butter, cream cheese, avocado, lime juice, and hot sauce in food processor until well mixed. Spread generously in pita pockets. Stuff pitas with Shiitake slices and lettuce.