Candy Cap Mushrooms

Credit: Illustration: William Reynolds

It's hard not to fall in love with a mushroom that smells like maple syrup. The aroma of this unique variety, Lactarius fragilis, which is native to northern California, intensifies when dried and brings a concentrated woodsy sweetness to any dish, whether it's a savory risotto or a sweet crème brûlée.

Dried candy cap mushrooms, $26 for a 1-oz. bag at Marx Foods