FRESH AND DRIED MUSHROOM PESTO

Steps:

• Place the porcini mushrooms in a bowl of hot water; press to submerge.
• Let stand until the mushrooms are tender, about 15 minutes.
• Scoop out mushrooms, being carefully not to stir any dirt that may have sunk to the bottom of the water.
• Discard mushroom water.
• Combine the porcini mushrooms, button mushrooms, walnuts, garlic, and parsley in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
• With the machine running, gradually add 1/2 cup of the oil, blending just until the mushrooms are finely chopped.
• Transfer the mushroom mixture to a medium bowl.
• Stir in the Parmesan.
• Season the pesto with salt and pepper, to taste.
• If not using mushroom pesto right away, cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent possible discoloration of mushrooms.
• Preheat a grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Arrange the bread slices on pan, cut-side down.
• Brush the remaining 1/4 cup of oil over the bread slices.
• Cook until pale golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can toast the bread in the oven.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Arrange the bread slices on 2 heavy large baking sheet.
• Brush the remaining 1/4 cup of oil over the bread slices.
• Bake until pale golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.
• Spread the mushroom pesto over the crostini.
• Arrange the crostini on a platter and serve.