Overnight it seemed, this big blob sprung up in the yard. Curious, I pulled it up, took it inside for a photo that was posted on Facebook with the question what is it. Immediately came back a number of responses, mostly from Maine friends, identifying it as an edible puffball.
Edible? I was a little doubtful but decided to give it a try. First, I sliced it to find it a little on the spongey side and solid all the way through. So began a series of dishes ranging from omelets to risotto to pizza and adding chopped, diced orsliced pieces of puffball. What was discovered was that a puffball is fairly tasteless until it is seasoned and has a very different texture from other mushrooms with which I am familiar.
Of all the ways it was prepared our favorite was mushroom soup. I had no recipe so I chopped a section of the puffball and sautéed it in butter with some onion and garlic. Chicken stock was added along with salt, pepper and herbs d’Provence. The mixture simmered for about 10 minutes and then using a handheld blender(my favorite kitchen tool), I pureed it. It tasted good, but thinking how it could be improved I added half and half and returned the soup to the stove and heated it through. Talk about good, the hubby and I both had seconds. Served with a green salad and some crusty bread, puffball mushroom soup is a simple and yummy dinner.
If you ever see one of these growing in your yard, pluck it right up. If it’s white all the way through, don’t be afraid to use it, but if it’s yellowish and has a mushy texture, throw it in the trash.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Lulu's Musings 
I’m impressed that you were brave enough to eat that. LOL. Glad you had advice from others in Maine about what it was/is. The soup looks delicious!
I rather enjoyed the exercise!
You are a most adventurous person, both in travel, food and life itself! The soup looks amazing!!!
Had you been here, I bet you’d have been right there with me figuring out what to try next.
Linda, your are brave for sure. The soup looks delicious!
It was and a little different from the usual.
I don’t think that I’ve ever seen a puffball. I’m impressed that you tried cooking with this mushroom.
Wonder what would have been done with it 100 years ago.
Really??? I’ve seen these growing all around when I’m out walking. At least I THINK what I’m seeing is the same thing. I’d be terrified to try it! You are a brave, brave soul!!!!!!!!
I think my yard has become puffball heaven as there are several others popping up now. They may weigh more than 5 pounds!
You are courageous, Linda!!!
I think you might have liked the soup.
I remember seeing them grow in the yard when I was a child growing up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, when they turned brown we would jump on them and they would explode with a puff of powdery substance, probably spores, but it was just entertainment back them. Cheer I didn’t know they were edible either. Thanks
There’s another one growing in the yard. I may have to let it go and try jumping on it to see what happens!
Ha ha ha