"morels" news and stories

• Sheryl Julian and Julie Riven end their Globe column after 25 years.
• What is roti?
• It's picnic time again.
• Has Wal-Mart been caught selling conventional food under an organic label?
• Local fruits and veggies can make all the difference in recipes.
• Hey, Mother's Day isn't over yet! Maybe the kids can make her this.
• This week's recipes: Easy Cinnamon Rolls, Curried Chicken Salad, Asparagus and Gruyere Frittata, Chicken Tagine, and Ham-wrapped Scallops with Vegetable Medley.

I purchased a bag of morel powder during the last day of the Portland Farmer's Market. I asked the adorably wizened man working the mushroom booth what should be done with the stuff. His eyes lit up and he suggested everything from sprinkling it in risotto and soups to rubbing it onto salmon for a particularly Northwest treat.

I'd like to add it to some dish to complement my aforementioned holiday ham. I've been mulling over the possibility of a nice potato gratin with plenty of half-and-half, a lot of minced garlic, salt, pepper and morel powder. When should I mix it in? How much should I use? Or do you have other ideas on what to do with this treasure?

[Photo Sarah Gilbert]