Ahi Tuna with California Golden Raisin-Ginger Cream on Royal Trumpet Mushrooms

• 4 oz. California golden raisins
• 2 oz. garlic cloves, peeled
• 8 oz. red jalapeños (about 12 chiles)
• 1/2 c. buttermilk
• 2 tbsp. candied ginger
• 2 tsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. sesame seed oil (optional)
• 2 c. mayonnaise (8 ounces)
• 4 sashimi grade tuna steaks, cut 1/2-inch thick (about 8 ounces each)
• sea salt
• 12 Royal Trumpet mushrooms
• Coarse sea salt; for garnish
• Micro cilantro or small cilantro leaves; for garnish

Preparation

1 Combine raisins and garlic in small saucepot. Cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer until raisins are plump and garlic cloves are very tender.
2 Drain and set aside. Char, peel and seed jalapeños. In food processor, combine raisins and garlic with jalapeños, mayonnaise, buttermilk, ginger, lime juice, salt and oil.  Process until very smooth. Chill.
3 Lightly season tuna steaks with sea salt. Sear to rare (145°F) in very hot skillet. Cool to room temperature. Slice thin. Set aside.
4 To Serve: Slice mushrooms, lenthwise, 1/4-inch thick. Arrange slices of mushrooms in single layer on serving tray and arrange a slice of tuna on each.Top with a dollop of Golden Raisin-Ginger Cream and sprinkle with sea salt and cilantro leaves.

Source: Chef Robert Del Grande and California Raisin Marketing Board