Braised Morels

2 c Morel mushrooms

2 tb Unsalted butter

1 tb Finely minced garlic

1 tb Finely minced shallots

-=OR=- Onions 1/2 ts Salt

1/4 c Sherry or Madeira

1/4 c Brandy

1/2 c Whipping cream

12 oz Fresh pasta; -=OR=-

8 oz -Dried Pasta

This recipe is good on either pasta or rice. Or, you can fill small pie shells with the mixture. WIPE MORELS CLEAN. Cut larger ones in quarters, leave smaller ones whole. Bring 4 quarts of cold, salted water to a boil over high heat on the stove. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat and add the morels, garlic, shallots and salt. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the sherry and brandy. Increase the heat to high and cook until the liquid reduces by about 2/3. Add the cream and cook until the liquid reduces to a saucelike consistency and is thick enough to coat a spoon. Remove from the heat and keep in a warm place until the pasta is finished cooking. Add the pasta to the boiling water, cook until desired doneness, drain and toss with the mushrooms. Place on a serving platter or in a large serving bowl and serve immediately. Can be prepared up to an hour in advance to this point and kept, covered, in the pan. TO FREEZE MUSHROOMS AND SAUCE, fill an airtight plastic freezer bag 3/4 full and squeeze out excess air. Label and place in freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature or on the defrost setting of a microwave.