Shiitake Mushroom Stuffing

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
12 ounces assorted mushrooms, stems trimmed and coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons dry white wine
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons dried fine bread crumbs
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are wilted and begin to caramelize. Add the shallots and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the wine and cook, stirring to loosen any browned bits in the pan, and until the liquid has almost all evaporated, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and transfer the mushrooms to the bowl of a food processor. Add the cheese, bread crumbs, parsley, basil, and oregano, and process on high speed to a thick paste.

Transfer to a bowl and divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each into firm balls and use to stuff the chicken breasts.

Yield: about 1 cup