It is a basic preparation used in stuffings and sauces (notably, beef Wellington) or as a garnish.[2][3] It can also be filled into a pocket of raw pastry and baked as a savory tart.[4]
The flavor depends on the mushrooms used. For example, wild porcini mushrooms have a much stronger flavor than white or brown mushrooms.
Some classical cookbooks call for dehydrated mushrooms. According to Auguste Escoffier, dehydration enhances flavor and prevents water vapor from building up pressure that could cause a pastry to crack or even explode.