Appetizers: German Egg & Tomato ”Mushrooms”

In Germany and Austria as well, the beloved mushrooms are symbols of good luck. Wooden, China, glass, and ceramic replicas of white-stemmed mushrooms with white and red speckled caps are commonly sold as ornaments for Christmas trees, as table decorations, as salt and pepper shakers, and for other uses.

Some cooks devised an edible replica of this symbol. The ”mushroom” is a favorite garnish, or can be eaten as an appetizer. It is simple to prepare and attractive to serve.

Cut a slice from the end of a hard-cooked egg so it will stand upright. Spoon out half of a medium tomato to remove the pulp, seeds, and liquid. Fit over the egg to form a ”cap.” Decorate the tomato top with tiny specks of mayonnaise.