Recipe: Mushroom Nests

Mushroom Nests

4 single phyllo pastry sheets
2 tablespoon butter, melted

Mushroom Filling:

1 tablespoon butter
1 lb mushrooms, finely chopped
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 single garlic clove, minced
1 pinch nutmeg
3 single green onions, minced
2 tablespoon toasted walnuts, fine chop
2 tablespoon light mayonnaise
1 pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Mushroom Filling:
In nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat; cook mushrooms, soy sauce, garlic and nutmet, stirring, for about 7 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Stir in onions and walnuts. Blend in mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place 1 sheet of phyllo pastry on work surface, keeping remaining sheets covered withdamp cloth. Brush with butter. Lay second sheet of phyllo over top; brush with buter. Repeat with remaining sheets.

Cut crosswise into fifths and lengthwise in thirds to make 30 squares total. Press each 4-layer square into nonstick 1-inch tart tin. Bake in 350F 180C oven for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Spoon filling into nests; bake for about 4 minutes or until filling is hot.

Nests may be stored in cool dry place for up to 6 weeks. Garnish with some fresh parsley sprigs, slivers of red pepper and capers.

Yield: 30 appetizers