I'm telling you, this has been THE year for mushrooms.  We're seeing them everywhere!  This one was about 10 inches across, and weighed almost a pound. 

 

When we saw it in the woods, we both gasped.  We knew what it was, but asked Seek to verify our find.  Seek told us it is Chicken of the Woods, Laetiporus cincinnatus, another Polypore mushroom.  This one was fresh and beautifully clean, so we cut it and brought it home.  I double checked the mushroom field guide, and several internet sources for back up positive identification.  They all confirmed:  white-pored chicken of the woods mushroom.

 

Then we looked for a recipe, and how to cook it.  Lots of recipes on the internet.  It can't be eaten without cooking.  

 

Of course, we only ate a small amount, to be sure of no bad reactions.  All foods affect people differently.  It was fabulous.  The texture was like chicken, and it tasted exactly like chicken.  And we still feel fine today, no bad tummy reactions.  I'm going to make a chicken mushroom pot pie with the rest.  

 

Please DO NOT follow my lead on eating what you find in the woods.  I've been foraging for years, and KNOW what I can eat and not eat;  and I always double check what I'm not positive about.  You must always positively identify plants even before touching them.  Some plants can cause allergic reactions just by touching them.  

 

If you're not sure, BE SAFE, and leave them alone.  

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!