depscribe's photos with the keyword: fungus

This was growing on a tarp thrown over some firewood at my house. It appeared the morning after long rains. It was very soft, almost gooey. Fungi tend to be either delicious or terribly poisonous. I don't know which variety this was.

The slices were then fried in olive oil and butter. The flavor and texture -- and richness -- were unparalleled. The thyme made the aroma resemble that of holiday stuffing. Exquisite!

Known for the puff of spores they make when stepped upon, "puffball" fungi when picked well before they dry make excellent eating. Here, Chef Matt Rapposelli slices a particularly large example. The slices were then breaded and seasoned with salt, pepper, and thyme.

These little guys were growing on a fallen log in southeastern Ohio. It takes a second to notice, but this is a color picture.

As tasty as it is odd-looking!