The Coveted Morel

These little delights have a mild flavor with a meaty texture - not at all musky like some mushrooms can be. But there is a trick to finding them. Morels are only found for a short window of time during the year in the upper Midwest, usually in the cool, damp months of April and May. Production involves a delicate balance of weather and location. They prefer the soil and debris found under dead or dying elm and ash trees. That's why they say "look up" rather than down. When you see the bare, thin crowns of brown branches in a field of green budded out tree tops - you'll know where to head. THEN you can look down.. and look closely, as they can be quite camouflaged! Dried grass and shadows hide them perfectly.

While most morel hunters keep their special spots a top secret, I will say I came upon these quite by accident near one of my local hiking trails in the City of Pewaukee.

Morels are actually very lightweight and hollow inside! If you are ever lucky enough to find them, here's a good, simple recipe.