I have what I believe are Hen o the woods here. Several very large. But I'm not positive on the ID & have no idea how to harvest & prepare. Same with the morels. I even have a book but just can't pull the trigger. It would be nice to have someone on hand for guidance.
Ric:
When do you notice them? If it's right when the weather turns cooler, then it's a good chance that they are Hen of the Woods. Even better chance if they are very large. Look in that guide that I linked to, they give a pretty good description.
As for puffballs, I've talked to people that eat them, and they say that you have to pick them when they are immature and still have white flesh when cut. If there are streaks of brown when cut apart, they are too old. The cut them and fry them in oil or butter like 'most any other mushroom. I'll try one if I can find one that is young, but I haven't found one yet.
