Garden Fungi and a Giant Puffball Mushroom

I am by no means a mushroom expert, but enjoy searching for them in the woods, along the side of the road, and even in our yard.As August is winding down, and following a bout of wet weather, there have been so many kinds of mushrooms and fungi emerging.  In the early morning hours, when the dew is still fresh,  is the best time to spot many varieties. Here are a couple photos of brown Cone Head mushroom that were found in the AM this August in my garden.The remind me of tiny parasols. There are also frequently found in the lawn.

I have been unable to identify what type of fungi is in the photo below. I have checked two mushroom books as well as the Internet. I have found a couple of similar photos, but no one provided its name. They were only there for a few hours and were already starting to shrivel when I spotted them. The tops were so unique, reminding me of  flowers instead of mushrooms. If you know what they are called, please share in a comment.

Is it a flower or a mushroom?

I was very excited when three days ago, a Giant Puffball mushroom started growing in the yard. Last summer, we had one, but it got run over by the lawn tractor before I could pick it.

Giant Puffball Mushroom (Calvatia gigantea)

I had read that they are edible and have been curious to try them. After reading and re-reading how to make a proper identification and confirming with my sister who has frequently harvested them, I was confident to to give it a try. In the morning, I cut it at the base, wrapped it in a paper bag and set it in the refrigerator until dinner-time. In the evening, I sliced it to confirm that they flesh was all white, with no gills. If it had any discoloration, I would have tossed it.

The inside of a Giant Puffball

I decided to keep the slices large, dipped them in bread crumbs and fried with butter and garlic until golden on both sides. The result was delicious. I ate a couple slices as a side dish and then had extra to add to a sandwich for lunch the following day. The consistency is similar to cooked eggplant or tofu. The flavor is bland, but it easily absorbs the flavor from cooking.

Fried Puffball Mushrooms

I am still extra cautious when it comes to eating wild mushrooms as a mistake can be deadly, but it is satisfying to be able to make a positive identification and enjoy for free the fruits of Nature.