Mama Melisi's Nickname "Mushrooms"

It's amazing how people, places, even pets acquire nicknames.

Take, for example, the great city of New York. Many call it "The Big Apple"...or if you've lived anywhere in the tri-state area, you've probably nicknamed it, "The City"! Anyone who has seen a lot of cities, knows there's nothing like New York!

And how about my favorite rock star...Bruce Springsteen...better known as, The Boss! Back in the day, I was known to be a "groupie"...even followed him home after one of his concerts! (No, I never made it in the house!) Twenty-five years later, I'm the same mad fan! And Bruce still deserves his nickname. At 60, he commands the stage for four hours! Truly...The Boss!

Let's talk about my beloved cat, Romeo...rest his little soul. I nicknamed him, the "Olive Oil Boy"! Right up to his 18th year, he was still climbing on the counter to lick the olive oil decanter! Not too many people knew about that...especially those who ate the salad!

I guess the question is, how does one obtain a nickname? It could be through a physical attribute...a personality trait...behavioral traits...it's endless!

Finally...there's Mama Melisi. I think she obtained her nickname because she was such a mom to everyone. She always extended her home, which was lived-in and comfortable. It never mattered how many sleepovers, barbecues, or dinners we had, and how many people attended. And there was always a great aroma coming from the kitchen. The nickname just fit!

It wasn't long before my high school, college, and even work friends called her Mama Melisi. It mushroomed even more when I moved from Jersey to Florida...North, South, and in between...Mama Melisi is EVERYONE'S Mama Melisi!

And since her nickname really did "mushroom", what better recipe to present but her homemade Stuffed Mushrooms! Forget about bringing over a store-bought appetizer to your next party...don't even dare look at that hollowed out pumpernickel with the spinach dip inside! Instead, make a tray of delicious Stuffed Mushrooms...pop them in the oven, wow the guests, and tell them you made it with love...

From Mama Melisi and Me

Ingredients:

l lb. mushrooms
3 garlic cloves (crushed)
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Flavored Breadcrumbs

Cooking Directions:

Remove mushroom stems, wash and set aside
Use wet paper toweling and wipe mushroom caps clean
(Do not submerge caps in water)
Set aside caps
Chop mushroom stems
In medium sized saute pan, heat approx 2 tablespoons olive oil
Add chopped mushroom stems and crushed garlic to olive oil for about 5 mins.
Remove from stove
Add flavored breadcrumbs, chopped parsley and enough water and mix all together
(Not too dry and not too wet)
Spoon mixture into mushroom caps
Prepare baking dish by spraying with Pam Olive Oil Spray
Place each stuffed cap into your baking dish
Drizzle caps lightly with extra virgin olive oil
Preheat oven to 350
Bake 1/2 hour to 45 mins (until crumbs are golden)