Monks and Mushrooms

When I was quite young, my best friend's family took me to visit her uncle. This was a special trip for Uncle Michael was better known as Brother Michael, a monk at a serene monastery which was nestled in the forest. We spent the day floating down a river on an air mattress, strolling through the vast herb and veggie/fruit garden, and then ate a delicious meal on the stone patio overlooking the rushing water.

Imagine my surprise when my mother, upon perusing a cookbook Sam gave her for Christmas, proclaimed, "OH! Here's a photo of Theresa's uncle!"

(Photo from Pacific Northwest Wining and Dining, page 212)

It's a short blurb, three pages, including a recipe, but the connection was neat. It seems Brother Michael leads mushroom hunts and sells some of what they find on the monastery to local restaurants. Accompanying the photo and write up is a delicious sounding Garbanzo Bean Gnocchi with Forest Mushrooms and Garlic-Chive Coulis. I think I might give it a go this Sunday!