Stuffed Mushrooms

1 lb whole mushrooms
3/4 lb ground pork
2 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon fennel seed
salt & pepper to taste
fresh grated parmesean
Panko breadcrumbs* (optional)

Wash and de-stem mushrooms. Trim (and keep) tender parts of stem.  Dry mushrooms and set aside. Brown ground pork in skillet. Add finely chopped garlic fennel seeds and diced mushroom stems, cook through. Drain mixture and pat with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Spoon meat mixture into mushroom caps and place on cookie sheet. Top with grated cheese and Panko bread crumbs.  Bake @ 350 degrees till mushrooms are tender and top is browned.