Mushroom Pockets

With the holiday season just around the corner, that usually means entertaining, holiday parties and feeding tons of family and friends.  Between gift buying, holiday decorating and planning travel, who wants to think about what you're going to prepare... and who wants to be in the kitchen for hours... NOT ME... OK that's a lie... I love being in the kitchen and I'm happiest while I'm in there, but I'm sure most of you want to serve something impressive and delicious and something that doesn't require hours of cooking in the kitchen!  

Well this is that appetizer recipe that will have your guests saying... WOW!  How gourmet!  And you saying... That was so easy, I had time to do some holiday shopping too! 

Wild Mushroom Phyllo Pockets

1 Box of Phyllo Dough 

1/2 stick clarified melted butter

1 Cup Shitake Mushrooms, finely chopped

1 Cup Portabello Mushrooms, finely chopped

1 Cup Brown Button Mushrooms, finely chopped

2 Shallots, finely diced

1 tsp. fresh thyme chopped 

1 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper

1 tbs. Olive Oil

4 oz. Goat Cheese

Cup Cake Muffin Tin

Preheat oven to 400°.    

In a large skillet heat olive oil and add mushrooms, shallots, thyme, salt & pepper.  Saute until all liquid evaporates and the onions turn golden brown.  Set aside, allow to cool.

Brush the inside of your cupcake tin with some butter- (do not use all of it) Cut Phyllo dough into squares large enough to fit inside of each round and have enough that forms a little cup.  Press about 3 sheet squares into each tin round.  Brush with a little more butter and bake in the oven for 7-8 minutes until a light golden brown.  Do not overcook, these will go back into the oven again.  Remove from the oven, set aside. 

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the mushroom mixture into the Phyllo Dough Cup and top with a teaspoon full of goat cheese and a sprig of fresh thyme.  Place back into the oven for 3-4 more minutes until the cheese becomes soft. 

This is the perfect hearty, nutty, woodsy, YUMMY appetizer!

**sidenote** Some grocery stores actually sell prepared Phyllo Shells- they are usually found in the frozen foods section- where you would find your Phyllo Dough Sheets.  Those make it even easier! 

Phyllo Dough is fantastic because you can fill these with virtually anything!  Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes, Feta Cheese and Parsley, Ham & Cheddar... it's endless and it's easy!