STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Preheat the oil to 300 degrees F in a deep pot or deep-fryer.
• Remove the stems from the mushrooms and then stuff each mushroom with 1 to 1 1/2 ounces of sausage.
• Create a standard breading station in 3 separate 8-by-8-inch pans: Combine the flour, 1 tablespoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper into the first pan. Whisk together the eggs and the milk in the second pan. Place the breadcrumbs in the third pan.
• Dredge each of the stuffed mushrooms in the flour, coat with the egg wash and then with the breadcrumbs.
• Fry the mushrooms, in batches if necessary, until golden brown and the sausage is fully cooked, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Heat the Tomato Sauce in a saucepan. Spoon 1/4 cup sauce onto the center of each plate. Arrange 3 fried mushrooms on top of the sauce. Garnish each plate with chopped parsley and Parmesan.
• Combine the whole tomatoes and their liquid, the olive oil, onion, basil, oregano, salt, pepper and 4 cloves garlic in a large bowl or 2-gallon container and puree with an immersion blender until smooth.
• Heat a large saute pan over high heat until it begins to smoke. Reduce the heat to medium, add the grapeseed oil and remaining 4 cloves garlic and quickly saute. Add the diced tomatoes and saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the pureed tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, remove from the heat. Bring back to a simmer when you are ready to plate. Yield: 6 servings