I exclaimed to Melanie to look at that big tree fungus by the trail. We both were amazed by the size. Note the 6″ (15cm) ruler. Impressive isn’t it? Here is a link describing it. Cookbooks say gather them when young and smaller. Older large ones can be maggot infested. Slice thin and cook over low heat. It has a mild nutty flavor.
Our View From Iowa 
Looks like bread. It is difficult to distinguish the good from the bad.
I err on the side of caution. 🙂
Like Anarette, I thought it looked like bread: specifically, a crumpet. Tea time, anyone? I just don’t think I could bring myself to add it to the menu. A mild, nutty flavor sounds good, but I’ll stick with real crumpets. On the other hand, as a woodsy find, it’s quite interesting and attractive.
My brother-in-law is knowledgeable about fungi. He said to find a younger one, cut it into ⅛” slices, sauté in butter.
I’ve had morels that way. They’re ok. I eat domesticated mushrooms. But, I draw the line at eating things I don’t know much about.
I really enjoyed morels when I could get them. Of course, anything sautéed in butter has a lot going for it.
A patch of them grows just outside our back door each spring. Easy to find. Some people hunt them for days.
I see these and other “edible” fungi all the time. That would not be unusual given the amount of time I spend outside. I too am cautious about what I eat in the wild. It’s about limited to ramps, wild onions and berries.
This is a beaut, for sure. The other day I came across a pair of Russian women chattering happily in their language as they filled bags with mushrooms along a trail. They were so pleased! They were eager to tell me what to look for in an edible mushroom but I’m no forager. Unless it is wild berries. Mmmm
I don’t forage for mushrooms. I will pick a few morels in the spring if I feel so inclined. Yes to the berries. I had a wonderful blackberry bush crop this year.
I had some fruit from my new blueberries this summer and was delighted. Next up to be planted will be raspberries and blackberries. How do you control your’s?
My raspberries are wild plants along the edge of the woods behind our house. I didn’t plant any. The blackberry bush stands alone. I staked it up to a steel post so it was easier to mow around and pick.