3 ways with ... Mushrooms

T-Bone steak with mushroom sauce and watercress. Photo / Richard Robinson

Perfect pair
Rich and meaty mushrooms are the perfect partners for cheese. Try grilled mushrooms with haloumi, or stuff with a crumbly blue cheese or roquefort, or pair with a sharp chevre or salty feta. Mushrooms and ricotta on grilled French bread make a quick canape. Thyme, hazelnuts or walnuts add flavour.

Salad days
Mushrooms and rocket with a balsamic dressing taste great, but try combining with peanuts, sesame seeds and sugar snap peas for an oriental twist.

Meat's best friend
Mushrooms with red meat, pan-fried or wrapped in pastry is hearty winter fare. Spice them up with crispy bacon or pancetta, thyme or sage and a slosh of cream.