RE: Morels are out in VA
Virginiashadow, Thanks for asking! First I'd like to give you some tips on were to look. It seems that in VA, or at least the parts of the state I have hunted Morels that under and around Tulip Poplars is the most productive, usually on north facing slopes, but I have found them just about everywhere except a direct south facing slope. Elm trees are another place worth looking also, especially dead elms. I have found them under White pines also. Once you find a location, they will be there year after year. Most of mine are on private land, but the SNP is one of the best places in the state to look, and its legal to harvest them.
Of course the best part of finding them is enjoying one of natures treasures, there is many ways to prepare them and I will provide my favorite simple recipe, but its endless really from spaghetti, pizza, scrambled eggs, just about any way that you would use store bought mushrooms. I also preserve them by canning them, they can be dried also, if you are interested in some of those techniques or any other info, I will be more than glad to help!
1. Morels, bunches of em
2.Butter/Margarine (3-4 tbsp's)
3. Frying pan (non-stick is good....iron skillet is better)
4. Flour (1/2 cup or so)
5. Salt and Pepper to taste
Melt butter in frying pan....don't overheat it!!
Coat Morels in flour using a ziplock bag...coat the clean morels well with flour.
Sautee mushrooms (gently)
Salt and pepper to taste.....and enjoy!!