Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Delicious stuffed mushroom recipe. Stuffed mushrooms are juicy, savory and have an appetizing crunch. This easy recipe is perfect to add to a routine meal and also a great choice for entertaining--especially for providing vegetarian options for guests.

What you need:

• 12 baby bella mushrooms, whole
• 1 celery stick, chopped as finely as you can
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Handful of cilantro leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup favorite cheese, shredded (Le Gruyere or white cheddar work well)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided into 1 tablespoon each
• 1/2 cup - 1 cup French's french fried onions

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Grease a baking tray with 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil, some salt and cayenne pepper and place to the side.
3. Wash whole mushrooms. 
4. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and dice the stems only. Leave the rest of the rest of the mushroom intact.
5. Place mushroom caps on tray with opening facing up and massage in oil and spices all over.
6. Combine in a mixing bowl the diced mushroom stems, chopped celery, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, remaining one tablespoon of oil. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste (remember all items in the mix can be eaten raw, so tasting is not harmful). This is your stuffing [shown].
   
7. Evenly distribute the stuffing into mushroom caps, slightly overfilling them. Top the mushrooms off with the french fried onions as shown.
   
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the french fried onions have browned. [If desired, the baking temperature can be adjusted to 425 degrees mid-way.]
9. Serve and enjoy! Be careful--the mushrooms will be hot on the inside.