Fresh Mushroom Clafout

• 2 tablespoons corn oil margarine
• 3/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds white button mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup dry sherry
• 1 1/3 cup skim milk
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, unbleached
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 Large egg
• 1/2 tablespoon thyme leaves, crushed
• 1/4 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Preparation

1 Preheat oven to 350° F. Using a nonstick vegetable spray, spray a 10-inch fluted quiche pan or pie plate.
2 For the filling: In a large skillet heat margarine until melted. Add onion; cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is just softened, about 3 minutes.
3 Add mushrooms and dry Sherry; cook, stirring frequently, until liquid has evaporated, 15 to 18 minutes; set aside.
4 Meanwhile prepare the crust: In the container of an electric blender place milk, flour, egg whites, egg, thyme, salt and black pepper.
5 Blend on high speed, until well beaten, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour 1 cup mixture into prepared pan forming a thin layer; set remaining mixture aside. Bake until firm to the touch, about 10 minutes
6 Remove from oven; transfer to a baking sheet; spoon mushroom mixture from skillet evenly over crust reserving 1/4 cup mushrooms for garnish; sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
7 Remove from oven; transfer to a baking sheet; spoon mushroom mixture from skillet evenly over crust reserving 1/4 cup mushrooms for garnish; sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
8 Whirl remaining milk mixture in blender to combine; pour over cheese. Bake until puffed and brown, about 45 minutes.
9 Remove from oven; allow to cool, about 10 minutes before serving (clafouti will lose some of its puffiness and flatten out).
10 Garnish with reserved 1/4 cup mushrooms and fresh thyme springs, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source: Photo and Recipe Courtesy of Mushroom Council and Mushroominfo.com