Portabella mushrooms don't have to play second fiddle

Portabella mushrooms, for instance, can be marinated and grilled, or you can stuff them with spinach or crab dip and bake them.

The Mushroom Council offers dozens of recipes at mushroominfo.com, such as the one here.

Get the kids to come up with variations on toppings.

Portabella Skins

Makes: 4 servings

Cooking spray

4 portabella mushroom caps

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced

1 small tomato, seeded and chopped

2 slices turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray; set aside.

Brush mushroom caps and edges with olive oil.

Sprinkle stem side with salt and pepper and place, rounded side down, on baking sheet.

Divide cheese among mushroom caps and bake 10 minutes or until cheese begins to melt and edges begin to brown.

Remove baking sheet from oven and sprinkle chives, tomato and bacon over mushrooms.

Return baking sheet to oven and cook an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and mushrooms are hot.

If desired, cut into wedges and serve with toothpicks.