It's Mushroom Season!

The drop in temperatures and the increase in rainfall that come with fall bring wild mushrooms in their wake, so now is the time to enjoy one of nature's most precious gifts. In Italy the mushroom everyone thinks of is the porcino, which is also known as a cèpe in some parts of the world, but you will also find golden orange finferli, which the French call chantarelles. Some recipes:

• Risotto ai Funghi Porcini: Perfect in the fall, when the mushrooms are freshly dried and packed with aroma.
• Pappardelle alla Boscaiola: Pasta with a rich, satisfying porcini sauce.
• Sformato Di Funghi: A mushroom flan, the perfect thing to do with fall mushrooms, especially wild ones.
• Pollo alla Cacciatora con Funghi: A tasty variation on a classic chicken recipe.
• Fusilli Con Finferli e Lenticchie: Lentils work beautifully with finferli or other wild mushrooms in this sauce.
• Portabello Pizza: Tasty and unusual!