Scalloped Mushrooms Ala Jeff

I received this recipe from my cousin Jeff at least 20 years ago and "tweaked" it a bit over the years. My family and friends always request it for special dinners. It's a wonderful side dish with roast beef, pork and poultry. (I have made this with half the quantities for less than 8 people.)

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 8-9

Ingredients

• 2  lbs button mushrooms
• 1  cup butter
• 2  cups heavy cream
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2  cups monterey jack cheese, grated

Directions

1. Wipe whole mushrooms with damp paper towels to clean, Cut off stem ends and then in half, reserving 8 whole mushroom caps for garnish.
2. Saute mushrooms in butter over medium heat until just tender.
3. Add cream and seasonings.
4. Continue to cook until liquid is 3/4 absorbed, stirring as needed. Adjust seasonings if desired.
5. Scoop into a 2 quart casserole. Cover mixture with shredded cheese and garnish with reserved whole mushroom caps.
6. Bake uncovered at 400 dg until cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
7. (I make this the day before a gathering and warm it up with cover on the next day in a microwave or in the oven at a low temperature.).