I do find Paper Chef a thrill even if lots of times I’ve found it impossible with the combo of ingredients.  Bron had fairies drawing random ingredients; I think they’re angels because the ingredients - thyme, potatoes and Prosciutto - are fabulous and then she made the fourth ingredient Mother’s Day. 

I knew immediately what I’d do for the dish and felt the portobello would be most especially for my mom.

My mother died over nine years ago.  She and my dad lived in our home for two years before she died.   It was really a wonderful two years.  I think it was when I got to be friends with my mother more as an adult than ever.  Everybody seems to revert back to some childhood things when you visit with your parents.  Their time with us allowed things to develop deeper understandings.  I came to see what good friends my parents were like I’d never really appreciated before.

We’ve had a house guest for almost a week now and it was only last night I was able to put my idea on the table.  Gorn pronounced it excellent and I did too.

Thyme from the garden . . . I feel richest when I can pick herbs from the garden.

I marinated portobellos with balsamic, olive oil and a little salt and pepper.  Baked them in the oven about 20 minutes at 450°, turning twice.

Steamed the potatoes.

Sautéed an onion and the Prosciutto in a touch of olive oil.

Riced the potatoes with some of the chopped thyme and a little roasted garlic.

And oh my heavens was it ever great!  Caramelized onion and the Prosciutto, just a subtle touch of garlic in the potato and then the heavenly balsamic in the mushroom . . . Mother would have loved it, we sure did.

My next idea was those lovely potato skins . . . time up.

Bron won last month’s Paper Chef

so she hosts and judges this month

Thank you Bron!

Entries for Paper Chef must be in by

midnight Tuesday 12 May. 

Submit your entries to

paperchef@gmail.com