If you’re looking to add some umph to your weeknight suppers, or pizzazz to your family meal planning – look no further than fungi. Yes, mushrooms!
Did you know:
~ All fresh mushrooms sold at grocery stores across Canada, are grown right here, in Canada (yes, even mid winter)! Roughly 54% of the county’s total mushroom production comes from Ontario.
~ One portabella mushroom has the same amount of potassium as a small banana
~ Mushrooms are the only item in our produce section with natural Vitamin D
*To learn more about the health benefits of mushrooms click here.
Photo Credit: Meagan Broughton @eattrainadventure
Cheddar Stuffed Saucy Burgers ~ to me, nothing screams summer like a burger hot-off-the-grill. Our family is a huge fan of all types of burgers, but my Cheddar Stuffed Blend & Extend Burger is definitely a family favourite! Click here for the recipe.
I’m a huge fan of the BlendandExtend.ca method of meal preparation = blending finely chopped (using a food processor works best) Canadian mushrooms (white button, cremini & portabella are ideal) with lean ground Ontario beef.
Why?
By blending chopped mushrooms with Ontario ground beef, you:
~ add an additional serving of vegetables to your dish
~ lighten up classic dishes such as: spaghetti, tacos and burgers (just to name a few)
~and extend the volume of your dish = extend portions *as the mom of two active and always hungry teenage boys, extended portions are a must in my home!
I encourage you to visit BlendandExtend.ca for a variety of dishes your family will enjoy!
Here are few of my gang’s favourite Blend and Extend recipes:
Photo Credit: Mushrooms Canada
Cheeseburger Pizza ~ instead of calling for take-out, I say ‘take-in”! This pizza is a go-to in our home. During the school year, I make this pizza at least once every two weeks. It’s a great way to use up and leftover vegetables and any leftover beef/mushroom mixture can be used the next evening to make Taco Salad! Click here for Cheeseburger Pizza recipe.
Photo Credit: Mushrooms Canada
Taco Salad ~ My youngest son’s favourite. Take advantage the pre washed & chopped salad mixes to make weeknight meal prep a breeze. Click here for the recipe. 
Photo Credit: Mushrooms Canada
Asian Lettuce Wraps ~ a flavourful (and bikini friendly) summer lunch dish. Click here for the recipe.
Charmaine Broughton is a food media specialist and recipe writer for Running Room Magazine. “I eat, cook & play with food for a living = why I run!!” she says with a laugh. She’s a regular guest on a variety of morning shows across Ontario, sharing her enthusiasm for all things edible. Most importantly, Charmaine is the mother of two active, and always hungry teenage boys; Tyler & Colgan. She understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping time, budget and her sanity in mind.
Website: www.charmainebroughton.com
Facebook: Charmaine Broughton
Twitter: @runnercharb
Instagram: charmaine _broughton