So Leson emails me a link to a Bon Appetit recipe which claims to make mushrooms taste like bacon. In the subject line she writes "Methinks this has a FfT in it." Methought the same.
Naturally I was dubious that any recipe entitled "How to Make Mushrooms That Taste Like Bacon Bits" really could deliver but it did look like fun. I tossed the mushrooms with minced rosemary, garlic, pepper, olive oil, and smoked salt for boosted baconosity. Hedging my bet, I made cheeseburgers that night. I figured that if the recipe really delivered we'd have (fake) bacon cheeseburgers. If not, there's nothing wrong with a 'shroomburger, either.
So did those mushrooms taste like bacon? Nah. Mushroom ado about nothing like bacon. But they are good as a concentrated mushroom preparation. Nance suggests keeping them in the 'fridge for grilled cheese sandwiches or as a mushroom soup topping. She also likes the idea of tossing them with pasta for an easy weeknight dinner.
"Not presume to dictate, but broiled fowl and mushrooms – capital thing!" – Charles Dickens