New Project: Van to Camper Conversion

Here is the inside of my 2003 Ford E350 Cargo Van, as seen from the open back door. Step one in the conversion:

I took out all the shelves, cabinets and tool /supplies storage units* (which are for sale, sold!), leaving only the flooring (padded and insulated and rubber) and the partition--I figured that would keep things from hitting me in the back of the head if anything disastrous happens.

*

about 5.5'passenger side

almost 9', driver's side

Chlorophyllum rachodes--Shaggy Parasol Mushroom--Maybe**

This was up under the big maple in the back yard, all by it's lonesome! About 5" tall.

This is the other side, showing a little one at the base.

Here's a peek up under the "skirt".
















Barely ten minutes later, it was opening up the parasol.

**Disclaimer:  I'm by no means an expert and from Wikipedia I find this:

"...The shaggy parasol is popularly praised as a choice edible mushroom. However, it contains toxins which can cause gastric upsets when eaten raw or undercooked, and some individuals show a strong allergic response even after cooking.[citation needed]
Furthermore, young shaggy parasols look identical to the poisonous Chlorophyllum molybdites (the mushroom that causes the most poisonings in North America yearly).^[2] Checking the spore print is essential as C. molybdites' print is green (older specimens have slightly green gills). As a result, this mushroom is not recommended for inexperienced hunters..."

Wild Mushroom Treasures!

Big surprise this morning on the lawn next too the ash tree--FIVE, count 'em FIVE giant puffball mushrooms bigger than softballs!!
I had them harvested, brushed clean and the bottoms cut off before I realized a picture would be nice.

They are probably a few hours past perfect for picking, but I took them anyway. 

You can see the skin on this one is a little browner than it should be, but the skin comes off easily enough. I left them on for slicing and sauteeing.

You can see here they were white and fluffy on the inside, just right!!

These slices show a slight tinge of yellow-white in the center, not perfect, but still good.









A little butter and oil in a nice big skillet, and sizzle away into yummy goodness!

 I had to have two big skillets going to get them all done.

Here is the whole batch, ready for the fridge to be used in omelets, side dishes and anything you could use regular mushrooms in.