Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Christmas is the time when neighbors stop by with homemade goodies to share.   I find that a great opportunity to invite them in for an impromptu get-together.   These yummy bites are easy to make, full of flavor and I always have the ingredients on hand.   Perfect for those knock on your door surprise guests!

Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• Small Portabella Mushrooms, wiped clean and stems removed (about 36)
• 16 oz Italian Sausage
• 1 pkg cream cheese
• 1/2 C. Hol-Grain Brown Rice bread crumbs
• 1/2 C. Parmesan cheese, flaked or grated
• 1/4 C. fresh Parsley, chopped
• Salt and Pepper

 cooking the Italian Sausage

 Mixing all the ingredients together

 Into the oven to bake

Directions:   Preheat oven to 375 degrees.   Wipe the mushrooms clean and remove the stems.   Place onto a baking sheet.   In a pan, cook the Italian Sausage, crumbling as you cook, until completely done.   In a large bowl, place the unwrapped cream cheese.   Add the Italian Sausage over the cream cheese so it starts to melt which makes mixing easier.   Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.   Add a large spoonful of the mixture to each mushroom cap, pressing down.   Bake in oven for 35 minutes or until hot.   There may be a bit of liquid in the bottom of the pan from the mushrooms, which is fine.   Just blot the bottom of each mushroom to dry, then serve.