Smoked Gouda-And-Apple-Stuffed Mushrooms

Description

Source: Christmas With Southern Living 2003 - Southern Living

Tangy bits of Granny Smith apple and ground pecans enhance the smoky, meaty flavor of Gouda cheese in these mushrooms stuffed to overflowing with goodness.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds very large fresh mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded smoked Gouda cheese
• 1/4 cup soft breadcrumbs
• 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 3 tablespoons ground pecans
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted

Directions

1. Remove and chop mushroom stems; set mushroom caps aside.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add mushroom stems, onion, and garlic; sauté 3 to 5 minutes or until tender.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Stir in cheese and next 4 ingredients.
6. Spoon evenly into mushroom caps; place caps on a rack in a broiler pan.
7. Combine pecans and 1 tablespoon melted butter.
8. Sprinkle evenly over each filled mushroom cap.
9. Bake at 350° for 15 to 17 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
10. Change oven setting to broil, and broil mushrooms 1 to 2 minutes or just until browned on top.

Yield: 30 appetizers