People who are fanatical about fungi took part in a hunt for mushrooms in Essex on Sunday.
Organised by local chef Leon Lewis, the fungi foray started in his Brentwood kitchen with a run down of what we might find on the walk. The group of 12 then headed to the local woods armed with wicker baskets to allow the mushrooms to breathe. The two-hour walk took us deep into the woods with Leon pointing out the dozens of edible varieties growing including cep, bay boletus, red cracked boletus, amethyst deceiver and the baby puff ball. Some varieties were easier to spot than others, and it wasn't long before the basket was filling up.
 | | Mushroom risotto |
After working up an appetite, the walk ended back in Leon's kitchen with a lunch featuring mushroom dishes, including risotto, quiche and dumplings, all washed down with wine. If you'd like to take part in one of Leon's walks, email Leon at Leonsveg@aol.com | 
