Summer comes and goes too quickly. I love the beautiful sunny days, the complete laziness of laying on the beach, and yes, even the torrential summer rain. It seems because time goes by so fast, we never get to take full advantage of the long, lovely days. More sunlight makes for more productive days,and people become more social and for most of us, wake up earlier.
Researchers have found that sunlight enhances mood, alertness, and energy. As sleep researcher Ivy Cheung and her colleagues say that “light is the most important synchronizing agent for the brain and the body.” An article in the Journal of Sleep and Medicine found that people who work in windowed offices spent significantly more time (15%) on work-related tasks than those who don’t, and researchers have linked light conditions to how well-rested workers felt and their overall vitality.
For some of us, summertime is the time to become lazy in the kitchen. It just does not seem right to turn on your ovens when you’re already baking outside. We all want salads, cool fruit drinks, fresh fruit, and lots of ice cream and ice pops. And an evening around the grill. Meats, chickens, hamburgers, and hot dogs are among the favorites for grilling, but the possibilities are endless. Your entire meal can be cooked on the grill– just be sure to turn it back on for s’mores!
This particular side is not cooked on the grill, but it is definitely worth it to turn your oven just this once. I imagine that some enterprising grill master out there will be able to put this on the grill– I’d love to hear from you if you do! I think it would make a fantastic vegetarian (or vegan if you replace the butter and omit the cheese) alternative to a burger. The mushrooms are caramelized to perfect sweetness, but with the savory taste of thyme and garlic. The lemon gives it citrusy tang and brightens the flavor, as it does with all vegetables. They are finished off with the sweetness of the brown sugar and luscious parmesan goodness. Do not miss out on this one!
This recipe is my own and will serve 4 to 6 people who will enjoy this delicious blend of sweet and savory.
Ingredients for Baked Parmesan Mushrooms:
1 1/2 pounds cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 sprigs oregano, chopped
4 sprigs thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus some for serving
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place mushrooms in a medium size bowl.
Add olive oil, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, and brown sugar.
Add Parmesan.
Season with salt and pepper
Gently toss to combine.
Place in single layer on baking sheet.
Place in oven for 15-20 minutes.
Add more Parmesan cheese!
Serve immediately.
It’s that simple!
