The Mushroom Council’s annual “Mushrooms: Every Day, Every Way” recipe contest with Taste of Home is “springing” into high gear! From breakfast to dinner — with  appetizers or sides in between — the Council seeks the most creative and delicious mushroom recipes.

• To enter the contest, click here or visit mushroominfo.com or tasteofhome.com.New Mushroom Council Logo
• Three winners will each receive a $1,000 cash prize, and one grand prize winner chosen from the top three will receive an additional $1,000.
• The contest is open now through August 1, 2010.

With a growing list of research studies linking them to positive health benefits, mushrooms are a great way to add flavor, nutritional value and versatility.

Need inspiration to test out your own mushroom recipes? Following are a few reasons to freshen up your spring dishes with mushrooms:

• ‘D’-lightful benefits: Mushrooms are the only produce item with a significant amount of vitamin D, an important nutrient to help boost immunity and reduce the risk of several chronic diseases.
• Save calories, stay full: Lighten up springtime recipes by substituting four ounces of mushrooms for four ounces of meat once a week; in one year this could save more than 18,000 calories or about five pounds.
• It’s a breeze to add mushrooms: Mushrooms complement almost any meal, just toss a handful into your favorite everyday dishes, from salads to pastas; they’re low in fat and calories, but will fill you up.

– Guest contributor