Maitake Mushrooms

Approx. 1/3 lb per pint

Maitake, or Hen-of-the-Woods, mushrooms are a coveted prize of mushroom foragers around the world.  They grow in a distinctive cluster of leaf-like, flattened caps that look a bit like the feathers of a hen. To maintain their textural appeal, put away that knife and simply use your hands to get them into manageable pieces. Starting at the stem, break the cluster into large clumps with some of the core attached, and continue to tear into smaller pieces before cooking.