Serves Approximately 6 to 8 People
Mushroom Duxelle:
¾ Cup Mushrooms, wiped clean
1 ½ Tbs. Unsalted Butter
1 tsp. Olive Oil
2 Tbs. Shallots, finely minced
1 Tbs. + 2 Tbs. Madeira
¼ Cup Heavy Cream (or Silken Tofu)
Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper
Pinch of Dried Thyme
METHOD:
Prepare mushrooms by processing until finely minced in a food processor. Next take a clean piece of cheesecloth that you have slightly dampened and place about ¼ cup of mushrooms in the center of the cheesecloth. Fold slightly and wring mushrooms very hard until you have extracted the bitter juices. When you are finished, the mushrooms will be in a solid lump. Repeat with remaining mushrooms.
In a medium skillet, combine butter and oil over medium heat. Add in shallots and cook for about 2 minutes. Next add in mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until they begin to brown slightly, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of Madeira and cook until completely evaporated. Add in heavy cream, dried thyme and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside and allow to cool until ready to use. When cooled, add in 2 more tablespoons of Madeira.
Sage and Thyme Seared Tofu:
1 lb. Firm Tofu, pressed and drained
1 Package Puff Pastry
1 ½ tsp. Ground Sage
1 ½ tsp. Ground Thyme
½ tsp. Kosher Salt
½ tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper
1 Tbs. Olive Oil
1 Egg
1 Tbs. Water
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut 1/3 Puff Pastry lengthwise. Place on a floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll dough to about 1/8” thick, keeping its rectangular shape. Cover with a damp cloth until ready to use.
In medium bowl, combine spices. Roll tofu in spice mixture. In medium sauté pan, heat oil until hot. Sear tofu on all sides, for approximately 30 seconds per side. Remove from pan and let cool slightly. Top tofu with mushroom mixture, coating all sides. Place coated tofu on puff pastry rectangle and fold pastry up and around, pressing edges to seal.
Place pastry package on cookie sheet, sprayed with nonstick vegetable spray. In a small bowl, using a fork, mix together the egg and water. Using a pastry brush, brush egg wash all over pastry package. Place cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until pastry begins to brown.
