FETTUCCINI WITH CREAMY DRIED MUSHROOM AND SAGE SAUCE

SERVES 4

This is very good. I always place my mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerate to store them. That way, if I don't get around to using them soon enough, they won't spoil. (See note below.) Sometimes they are in there long enough to dry. When they do, I have a special treat. Most often, the fresh mushrooms I buy for everyday use are cremini, but you can use other mushrooms as well.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups dried mushrooms, such as cremini

Boiling water

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium shallot, chopped (about 1/4 cup)

1 tablespoon dried sage leaves (definitely use fresh if available)

1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 cup heavy or whipping cream

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 pound fettuccini

1 teaspoon truffle oil (optional, but so good)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl and add enough boiling water to cover. Soak until softened, about 30 minutes. Remove the mushrooms gently so as not to stir up any grit that accumulated in the bottom of the bowl. Squeeze out the excess moisture. Finely chop in a processor. Strain the soaking liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter. Measure out 1 cup for this recipe. Freeze the remainder for future use.

Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high. Add the olive oil and butter, then the shallots. Sauté until softened. Add the garlic, mushrooms, sage, marjoram, thyme, salt and pepper; sauté 1 minute to combine flavors. Add the wine, 1 cup mushroom liquid, cream and nutmeg. Cook over high heat until reduced by about one-third.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente. When the sauce is ready, drain the pasta and add to the sauce. Add the truffle oil and toss in the pan for about 1 minute. Serve immediately, passing the cheese separately.

Note: If you decide to use mushrooms dried in your refrigerator, make certain they did not mold. Mine never have, but it is possibile if they don't get enough air circulation.

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