Earthstar Flower Shaped Fungus

This morning I was out in my front yard garden doing my normal morning routine. I pick up leaves and things which blow into my mulch along with weeding and pruning. As I approached the three Firecracker plants at the West edge of my garden, I noticed something extra at the base of the plant nearest the house. My favorite mushroom, if you can have a favorite fungus.

Earthstar Flower Shaped Fungi -- Geastrum triplex, Collared Earthstar

If I had found only one of these, I probably would have thrown it in my white bucket and continued on. However, finding four of these Earthstars grouped together made me want to photograph them and do a blog post! These are actually referred to as Geastrum triplex, Collared Earthstars.

Firecracker plant with earthstar fungus

That's the Firecracker plant that was supporting these four fungi! Off to the right, on the ground, you see a 16-inch stone walkway. To the right of the last stone is an area getting too much water from the downspout. This morning I put an extension on the downspout to direct that extra water into my grass.

Earthstar Flower Shaped Fungi -- Top Side

Earthstar Flower Shaped Fungi -- Back Side

It was three years ago that I saw my first Earthstar mushroom. That was on the other side of my yard and actually coming up near the lot line of the house that backs up there. Once I observed my first Earthstar, I started to see more and more of them, but always as singles. I'd pick them up and thought they seemed interesting, like little button flower-shaped mushrooms. It wasn't until today that I began to research them!

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Geastrales
Family: Geastraceae
Genus: Myriostoma
Species: M. coliforme

"The genus is monotypic, containing the single species Myriostoma coliforme. It is an earthstar, so named because the spore-bearing sac's outer wall splits open into the shape of a star." --Wikipedia reference on Myriostoma.

I've long been a fan of Wikipedia and will try and find that reference when I want to immediately find out information about something.

"The order contains the single family Geastraceae, commonly known as "earthstars", which older classifications had placed in Lycoperdales, or Phallales." --Wikipedia reference on Geastrales.

As I did a Google image search for "flower-shaped fungus," I was seeing Myriostoma and Geastrum saccatum that represented other fungi that looked like what I had. Digging a little further, of course you see where those are the Genus and Family respectively!

The earthstars are pretty cool looking fungi. I much prefer them to two other types of fungi that I saw a lot of in my Jacksonville, Florida gardens. Those rather obnoxious mushrooms were the stinkhorns which were quite smelly and rather an orange color. Then, the rather horny stinkhorn I saw a few times was the Phallus impudicus. Woah, on those. I actually picked up a Phallus impudicus from the back yard butting up against my side yard golf cart path area. Pretty curious.

This is a photo mosaic of the pretty curious FUNgi I found on the edge of my East side yard where the neighbor's house backs up to mine. I believe it is a male. What do you think?

Phallus impudicus I presume?

This curious speciment was quite rigid whereas those I was finding of the same species in my Jacksonville Florida garden were softer and more flexible!

Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms and Onions

Make it a hearty meal with Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms and Onions. Add a little cayenne pepper and make it spicy! I like my scrambled eggs with the extras like cheese, mushrooms and onions.

Today I am sharing a easy to make, delicious recipe that you can customize to feature your favorite cheeses. One option is to add a slice of three of your favorite cheeses. Or, you can opt to just add the one; you decide! I also like a lot of onions and mushrooms.

You will find that this is a tasty dish not only for breakfast, but for lunch or dinner. Who says scrambled eggs are only for breakfast? Oh, and if you like it spicy, like me, you'll appreciate adding a little more of the cayenne pepper! They'll be asking, "What's that I taste? It has a little kick to it!"

All photos and content copyright JaguarJulie.

Just Say Cheese!
I like a little cheese in mine; how about you? Oh gosh, I seriously had a flashback to many years ago in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the weekend and I was over my friend Beverly's house. She loved making scrambled eggs with cheese. I do think Beverly inspired me to expand my horizons and consider blending different kinds of cheeses in my cooking.

When I scramble my eggs, they usually have something extra in them. Today, I am sharing my favorite way of preparing them.

Oh, and I like it spicy too. I am always adding a dash or two of cayenne pepper to the recipe. It's good for you and it does give the taste a spicy heat that is quite pleasant.

I had another friend from FujiFilm, Mike, who used to travel with a bottle of Tabasco Sauce in his briefcase. He was always sprinkling it on his scrambled eggs. I've tried that and it is a good additive along with spicy salsa.

And, who says you have to only prepare this for breakfast? I've also had it for lunch and even for dinner! You getting hungry?

P.S. I WAS the Official Squidoo Comfort Foods Contributor! Did you know that? Well, you probably guessed it. You know the incredibly delicious egg and all its incredible recipes has become one of my favorite comfort foods! Any time of day.

Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

Who doesn't love scrambled eggs? I remember many years ago learning how to make scrambled eggs in my Home Economics class at Roehm Jr. High School in Berea, Ohio. I honestly can't think that any of my fellow students didn't ace this class! Back then, the recipes were very simple!

Personally, I like to add stuff to mine! I like to change up the cheeses -- sometimes I will use all Colby Jack or Muenster or Sharp Cheddar. Other times I will use a slice of each! And maybe I will add a bit more onions and mushrooms.

Also, the amount of cayenne pepper can make this dish very spicy! You choose how much.

Ingredients

• 3 Large Eggs
• 3 Tablespoons Milk or Water
• 1/2 Cup Diced Onions
• 2/3 Cup Sliced Mushrooms
• 3 slices of Cheese - Colby Jack, Muenster, Cheddar
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper<
• Dash of Salt and Pepper
• 3 Tablespoons Butter

Instructions

1. Crack your large eggs into mixing bowl and beat until blended.
2. Add your milk or water and blend; set aside.
3. Melt butter in frying pan on medium heat.
4. Add onions and fry until softened and lightly golden.
5. Pour in egg mixture.
6. Add in mushrooms.
7. Place slices of cheese on top.
8. Season with cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.

You'll Need a Teflon-Coated Frying Pan!

For this recipe, I couldn't have done it without my frying pan!

I've actually had my eye on a little jazzier edition of pan ... like this one. It's the TeChef - Art Pan 11" Frying Pan, Coated 5 times with Teflon Select Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) / Induction Ready. I like everything about this item! The color, the style, the features.

When I was growing up ... in the 1950s ... we didn't have teflon-coated frying pans! I remember that brillo pad that I had to use to scrape the stuck on foods like eggs and cheese. Today, we are fortunate to have non-stick!

This is an incredibly stylish pan. Did you notice it is purple? I love that color and never thought I'd see it in a frying pan. This pan has 5 coats of teflon ... I can't imagine any of your breakfast foods sticking to this pan ... they will all come out on your dish.

How To Make This Recipe!

I know it's easy, but I wanted to share my tasty photos!

The onions have been fried until golden and the egg mixture along with mushrooms have been added.

Now for the addition of the "kick" -- cayenne pepper has been added to spice it up.

Half each of the three slices of cheese and add it on top of the mixture.

Fold in all the ingredients in the frying pan until cooked thoroughly.

You are ready to serve your dish. This is enough for two. Serve with toast and maybe some bacon or sausages.

Poll : Your Favorite Way to Prepare Eggs?
How do you like them? Which way do you like your eggs?

1. Scrambled
2. Sunny-Side UP
3. Fried Hard
4. Poached
5. Soft Boiled
6. Hard Boiled

Thanks for Visiting!
I love getting feedback on my recipes. Do you have a favorite ingredient for your recipe?

History: Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms and Onions was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on May 8, 2014. On May 8, 2014 this lens earned the Purple Star Award for quality content.

Easy Cheesy Omelet with Mushrooms and Onions

Not just for breakfast any more! It's Easy Cheesy Omelet with Mushrooms and Onions, a hearty egg meal. I love omelets especially with cheese. Here is my recipe for an easy cheesy omelet with mushrooms and onions that is great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In fact, for me, it was my dinner last night! I had been busy all day with such a variety of chores and appointments, that I was worn out at the end of my work day. Nothing was thawed and what to have for dinner was a dilemma.

Why not eggs? I thought, I could make my Cheesy Scrambled Eggs with Mushrooms and Onions recipe. But, I didn't want scrambled eggs.

Hey, I know ... let's not scramble it, but make an easy omelet instead. And, let's have it with a fresh brewed cup of Costa Rica Tarrazu Whole Bean Coffee! So, here it is! With a dash of cayenne pepper to make it spicy ... just like ME! Oh, and toasted jalapeno cheddar bread on the side. Enjoy.

All photos and content copyright JaguarJulie.

I love CHEESE and Cayenne Pepper!
You might have already known that. Yes, I grew up loving cheese although today I surely eat more of it. I always say that is how I get my calcium since I never liked milk. I've always felt I was lactose-intolerant.

There are so many excellent cheeses on the market. I think the only thing that holds me back, personally, from using some of them in my recipes is the cost!

Have you seen the prices on some of the cheeses? Holy smokes ... a lot more than a gallon of gasoline or a pound of meat.

So, for us budget conscious shoppers and chefs, we have to find those cheeses that work in price and taste.
I've found that the Publix brand is pretty tasty ... especially for my scrambled eggs and omelets. In today's recipe I used Publix cheese!

P.S. Cheese is a major comfort food for me along with cayenne pepper!

By the way, did you know that I was seriously the Official Comfort Foods Contributor on Squidoo? And, how appropriate to think about the incredibly edible egg ... it is a humble food; one of my favorite comfort foods that can transition to being a comfort food any time of day! Don't you just love how easy this comfort food recipe is to make?

I mean, I think everybody can do it. It's not that tough to break a few eggs. This is your time to get creative ... pick the cheese that you love. Use all of one kind, or try different ones mixed together.

You can be pleasantly surprised at the delicious taste. In this serving, I opted to add two slices of jalapeno cheddar demi loaf toasted as my side.

My Easy Cheesy Omelet with Mushrooms and Onions Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 Large Eggs
• 3 Tablespoons Milk or Water
• 1/2 Cup Diced Onions
• 2/3 Cup Sliced Mushrooms
• 3 Slices of Cheese - Colby Jack [optional: Muenster, Cheddar]
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper
• Dash of Salt and Pepper
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• Optional: 2 Slices of Toast - Jalapeno Cheddar Demi Loaf

Instructions

1. Crack your large eggs into mixing bowl and beat until blended.
2. Add your milk or water and blend; set aside.
3. Melt butter in frying pan on medium heat.
4. Add onions and fry until softened and lightly golden.
5. Add in mushrooms and fry lightly, stirring mixture.
6. Pour in egg mixture and allow to firm up.
7. Place slices of cheese on top.
8. Season with cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.

How To Make This Recipe!
It is easy and it is definitely cheesy!

We've jumped to this step because it is an easy recipe! Notice how it is all one cheese : Colby Jack and that the slices are whole.

Once the omelet has cooked and the eggs are set, you fold it over in the frying pan. You can almost taste, if not smell it!

Add some toast on the side. I made it spicy with Jalapeno Cheddar Demi Loaf from Publix. It has the texture of rye bread which I like.

The final product ... my easy cheesy omelet with mushrooms and onions and toasted jalapeno cheddar bread.

The Most Important Tool

For this recipe, I couldn't have done it without my frying pan!

I've actually had my eye on a little jazzier edition of pan ... like this one. It's the TeChef - Art Pan 11" Frying Pan, Coated 5 times with Teflon Select Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) / Induction Ready. I like everything about this item! The color, the style, the features.

Keeping in mind that I am an artsy gal, I think this one captures my spirit. Hey, it's purple!!

Poll : What's Your Choice of Eggs?
One or the other or both? How do you like your eggs?

1. Omelet
2. Scrambled
3. Both Equally
4. Something Else!

Thanks for Visiting!
Let me know what you thought. Make it cheesy ... if you like!

History: Easy Cheesy omelet with Mushrooms and Onions was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on May 16, 2014. On May 18, 2014 this lens earned the Purple Star Award for quality content.

Positive Results with AVEENO® Positively Ageless™

When I received my Official BzzGuide for AVEENO® Positively Ageless™, my interest was piqued as I read about the ingredients in the moisturizer I was about to sample. Hmmm, the letter that came with my package said AVEENO® "has used everything from oatmeal and soy to lavender and chamomile in their ACTIVE NATURALS® line." Well, all those sound good to me.

A different kind of ingredient made me stop and read further, "shitake mushrooms help prevent collagen breakdown." Shitake mushrooms? Hey, wait a minute, I think I heard something about mushrooms in moisturizers this past week on one of the NBC talk shows. Checking out the facts in my BzzGuide, I learned that "shitake mushrooms were first cultivated in Asia over 1,000 years ago and have long been recognized by herbalists for their medicinal purposes." Count me in as someone open to trying something new, especially if it has a history of that many years!

As a BzzAgent, I've been trying the daily moisturizer with SPF 30 since the first week of March 2007 and can report that my skin is looking brighter and feeling softer. I love the container, but more importantly, how great my skin feels and looks. Now you can try a sample for free!
I'm taking this product on vacation with me to use as my facial sunscreen product.

I'll be back in about 10 days to give you my feedback!

POSITIVELY AGELESS™ is a new line of anti-aging facial care products from AVEENO®, the leader in ACTIVE NATURALS®. These products contain a breakthrough formula, with Natural Shitake Complex, that works with your unique skin, accelerating your own cell renewal process. In fact, 73% of women saw reduced lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks, revealing healthy, younger-looking skin.

DAILY MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 30. A nourishing daily moisturizer that visibly reduces the signs of aging and helps prevent future damage with advanced sun protection.

Reported in julie3jax's Stylehive: Post 21053 and Post 21054 on March 14, 2007.