Working with mushrooms

I love using mushrooms in meatless dishes, as their natural umami and texture is as satisfying as meat. Cleaning them is easy: Using a gentle vegetable brush, gently sweep away any dirt from the mushrooms. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any stubborn dirt. Avoid rinsing or soaking mushrooms, or they could get soggy. Using a paring knife, trim a thin slice from the base of each mushroom stem. Some varieties, such as shiitake mushrooms, have tough, woody stems, which should be removed before use.