Elevating Your Christmas Feast with Functional Mushroom Recipes

December 3, 2024 | by Silvana Jakupovic, ND

Functional mushrooms have been revered for centuries for their health benefits. Thanks to modern science, we're beginning to understand how these fungi can contribute to our well-being. Functional mushrooms such as Reishi, Lion's Mane, Chaga, and Shiitake are known for supporting the immune system, enhancing brain function, and reducing stress and inflammation, among other benefits. These mushrooms contain compounds like beta-glucans, which help fight inflammation and aid the immune system, and antioxidants that combat free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.

Eversio Wellness presents these ancient, natural remedies in an accessible, easy-to-use form: mushroom powder blends. These blends are designed to maximize the health benefits of functional mushrooms, making it straightforward to incorporate them into your daily diet, especially during the holiday season. Whether you're looking to boost your immune system, improve your cognitive function, or enjoy a healthier lifestyle, Eversio Wellness' mushroom powder blends offer a convenient and effective solution.

Festive Mushroom Recipes for a Healthy Christmas Feast

Here are some festive recipes that will bring wellness and joy to your Christmas table.

Recipe 1: Functional Mushroom Turkey Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf of day-old bread, cubed
• 1 cup of celery, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup of butter (regular or alternative)
• 1 tsp of sage
• 1 tsp of thyme
• 1 tsp of rosemary
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 2 tbsp of Eversio Wellness Mushroom Blend
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the celery, onion, and garlic, cooking until soft.
• Stir in the sage, thyme, rosemary, and Eversio Wellness mushroom powder, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
• In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the celery mixture, tossing to mix well.
• Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the stuffing into a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Recipe 2: Mushroom Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tbsp of cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp of maple syrup
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
• 2 tsp of Eversio Wellness mushroom powder
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

• Heat the milk over medium heat in a saucepan until it begins to warm.
• Whisk in the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and Eversio Wellness mushroom powder until smooth.
• Continue to heat the mixture until hot, but do not boil it.
• Pour the hot chocolate into cups, topping with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Recipe 3: Functional Mushroom Gravy

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp of butter (regular or alternative)
• 3 tbsp of all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free)
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 tsp of soy sauce
• 2 tsp of Eversio Wellness mushroom powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour, stirring continuously until a paste forms and begins to turn golden.
• Gradually add the beef broth and soy sauce, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
• Stir in the Eversio Wellness mushroom powder. Simmer for a few minutes until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper.
• Serve warm over mashed potatoes or turkey.

Recipe 4: Mushroom Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of sliced fresh Shiitake mushrooms
• 2 tbsp of Eversio Wellness mushroom powder
• 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 cup of fried onions

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well.
• In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and fresh Shiitake mushrooms, cooking until softened.
• Mix in the Eversio Wellness mushroom powder, cream of mushroom soup, and milk until well combined.
• Add the green beans to the mixture, tossing to coat.
• Transfer the green bean mixture to a baking dish, topping with fried onions.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the onions are golden brown.

Desserts and Drinks with a Mushroom Twist

After enjoying a hearty feast, it's time to indulge in the sweet and comforting flavours of Christmas desserts and drinks. By incorporating Eversio Wellness mushroom powder blends into these treats, you can enjoy the festivities while benefiting from the natural wellness properties of functional mushrooms.

Recipe 5: Christmas Energy Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dates, pitted and soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
• 1/2 cup of almonds
• 1/2 cup of walnuts
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp of Eversio Wellness mushroom powder
• 1 tbsp of chia seeds
• 1 tbsp of hemp seeds
• A pinch of salt
• Desiccated coconut or cocoa powder for coating

Instructions:

• Drain the dates and place them in a food processor with almonds and walnuts. Process until the mixture becomes crumbly.
• Add the cocoa powder, Eversio Wellness mushroom powder, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and a pinch of salt. Process again until the mixture starts to stick together.
• Take small amounts of the mixture and roll it into balls. If the mixture is too dry, add water to help it stick.
• Roll the energy balls in desiccated coconut or cocoa powder to coat.
• Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. These energy balls are perfect for a post-meal pick-me-up, offering an energy boost without the crash.

Recipe 6: Mushroom-infused Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 12 egg yolks
• 1 cup of heavy cream (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp of ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp of Eversio Wellness mushroom powder 
• Bourbon, rum, or brandy (optional)

Instructions:

• In a large saucepan, combine milk and sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the milk is warm.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually temper the yolks by adding the warm milk mixture a little at a time, whisking continuously.
• Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and Eversio Wellness mushroom powder. Mix well until smooth.
• Chill the eggnog in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Before serving, whisk well and add a splash of bourbon, rum, or brandy if desired.
• Serve in festive cups, and sprinkle extra nutmeg for garnish.

Tips for Serving and Enjoying Your Mushroom-Infused Dishes

As you prepare to present your mushroom-infused holiday feast, here are some tips to ensure your dishes are delicious, beautifully served, and thoroughly enjoyed.

Presentation is Key:

• Serve your dishes using festive dinnerware, adding to the holiday spirit. A touch of greenery, like rosemary sprigs or holly leaves, can also enhance the presentation of each plate.
• For the mushroom gravy and hot chocolate, consider serving them in a gravy boat or a festive mug with a cinnamon stick or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing with Beverages:

• Pair your mushroom-infused dishes with complementary wines. For example, a rich, earthy mushroom gravy pairs beautifully with a bold red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
• For non-alcoholic options, consider serving spiced apple cider or ginger and lemon herbal tea, which can complement the earthy tones of the mushroom dishes.

Educating Your Guests:

• Take a moment to share the benefits of the functional mushrooms used in your dishes. A brief explanation of how each mushroom contributes to health and wellness can be a great conversation starter.
• Include small recipe cards next to each dish, noting the specific Eversio Wellness mushroom powder blend used so guests can appreciate the thoughtfulness and healthful aspects of the meal.

A Heartwarming, Healthful Holiday Feast

Incorporating Eversio Wellness mushroom powder blends into your Christmas cooking offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the festive season with health and wellness in mind. As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, you can introduce them to the beautiful world of functional mushrooms through delicious, nourishing dishes that warm the heart and benefit the body. It's a way to celebrate the season's traditions while embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes wellness and care for oneself and others.

As we conclude this journey through festive flavours and wellness, remember that the greatest gift you can offer is health and happiness. This Christmas, let your feast be a testament to the love and care you hold for your family and friends, served with a side of the remarkable benefits of functional mushrooms. May your holidays be merry, bright, and incredibly nourishing.