Caramelized Onion and Chanterelle Jam

One of my favorite condiments out there: Onion Marmelade, but made with natures jewels: Golden Pacific Chanterelles.

Chanterelles Found in October in Bellingham

Caramelizing Onions

To start off this culinary adventure, we must master the art of caramelizing onions. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve that perfect caramelization to elevate this exquisite jam recipe:

• Select the Right Onions : Opt for sweet, yellow onions for the best flavor when caramelizing. Slice them thinly and evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.

• Heat the Pan : Heat a generous amount of butter or olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over low to medium heat.

• Add the Onions and Cover with a lid: Add the sliced onions to the pan, season generously with salt, cover and let them cook slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and deglaze with water, stock or wine if they stick to the bottom of the pan. Alternating between caramelizing and deglazing. Remove the lid when the onions are fully wilted and soft to evaporate liquid and encourage the caramelization.

• Be Patient: Caramelizing onions is a slow process that requires patience. Allow the onions to cook low and slow until they turn a beautiful deep golden brown color. an hour is enough time, make sure you have other projects in the kitchen while doing this!

• Enhance the Flavor: To deepen the flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of brown sugar towards the end of the caramelization process. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or anchovy paste are great roads to try out too.

Chanterelles Found in October in Bellingham

Crafting the Chanterelle Jam

Now that you've mastered the art of caramelizing onions, it's time to bring this exquisite jam recipe to life. Here's how you can create a decadent Chanterelle Jam that will elevate your dishes to gourmet status: Steaks, an afternoon toast, or breakfast omelette will beg for generous amounts of this jam.

Ingredients:

• Caramelized onions

• Fresh chanterelle mushrooms

• Garlic cloves

• Thyme

• White wine

• Maple Sugar / Syrup or Brown Sugar

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

• Sauté the Chanterelles : Start by sautéing cleaned and sliced/peeled apart chanterelle mushrooms in a pan until they are golden brown and caramelized. Medium high heat with olive oil is my prefered way to caramelize!

• Add Aromatics: Add minced or grated garlic and fresh thyme to the pan to infuse the mushrooms with additional layers of flavor.

• Deglaze with White Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

• Combine with Caramelized Onions : Add the caramelized onions to the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. You probably want to caramelize separately, as they can cook at different rates. You are welcome to try a one pot wonder jam!

• Sweeten and Season: Sprinkle in maple sugar, salt, and pepper to balance the flavors and enhance the sweetness of the caramelized onions. Add a squeeze of lemon juice when serving

• Simmer to Perfection: Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it reaches a jam-like consistency, with the flavors melding together harmoniously.

Serve and Enjoy:

Spread your Chanterelle Jam on a peice of sourdough toast, serve it alongside a charcuterie board, or use it as a flavor-packed condiment for meats and cheeses. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors are addicting.

So, there you have it - a culinary masterpiece that will impress your guests and elevate your dishes to new heights. With the perfect combination of caramelized onions and chanterelle mushrooms, this jam recipe is a gourmet sensation waiting to be savored.

Cheers!

Abigail

Chanterelles Found in October in Bellingham