Mushrooms of the rich and famous

Candy-cap oil

by Nancy Kalajian

noshing & sipping

Rauxa's olives to go, May 4 Matzoh brownies, April 20 Wood Prairie Farm blue potatoes, April 13

The candy cap -- a little forest mushroom with a surprising maple-syrup taste -- costs more than $100 a pound, and it's so rare that you generally can't buy it at all. You can, however, buy canola oil infused with dried candy caps -- and the price is more reasonable: $10 for a 10-ounce bottle, including shipping. Candice Heydon, owner of the Maine company that makes the oil, reports that candy caps are catching on with chefs in California, who find that the invigorating maple-like taste adds a surprising dimension to any dish that uses mushrooms. You can use the oil to roast or sauté vegetables, or to sprinkle over salads or focaccia. We tried drizzling candy-cap oil over organic carrots before roasting and liked the slightly mapley pizzazz it added. The oil is available from the Oyster Creek Farm Mushroom Company, RR 1, Box 320, Damariscotta, ME 04543. Call (207) 563-1076, or visit www.oystercreekmushroom.com.

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