Oyster and Spinach-stuffed Mushrooms

Yield: Makes 12 servings

Ingredients

• 2  (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach
• 24  large, fresh mushrooms
• 6  tablespoons  butter, divided
• 1  (8-ounce) container small raw oysters, cut into 24 pieces
• 1  (14-ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
• 1/2  cup  finely chopped onion
• 1  (8-ounce) container sour cream
• 1/2  cup  grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 2  slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preparation

Prepare spinach according to package directions; drain and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Remove stems from mushrooms, discarding stems.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 mushrooms; sauté 4 minutes or until barely tender. Repeat procedure with remaining mushrooms and 2 tablespoons butter. Remove from skillet, and place cap-side up in a 15- x 10-inch jelly-roll pan. Place 1 oyster piece in each mushroom cap.

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add artichoke and onion; sauté 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat, and stir in reserved spinach, sour cream, 1/3 cup cheese, and salt. Spoon mixture evenly into mushroom caps; sprinkle with remaining cheese and crumbled bacon.

Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Marithyme Treasures, Coastal Living, OCTOBER 2005