* (chanterelles, shiitake, cepes), cleaned, trimmed ** or 1/2 pound cultivated white or brown mushrooms, coarsely chopped.

Here's one for you lucky folks that have chanterelles popping up in the back forty...

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the flour, whisking as you go. Add the salt and pepper. Return to heat and slowly whisk in the wine. Simmer for 3 or 4 minutes, continuing to whisk until well blended and slightly thickened. Add the onions. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring from time to time.

Heat the stock in a saucepan, add the mushrooms and simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat.

Combine mushroom mixture and wine mix mixture; simmer for 20 minutes. The scent of this cooking is unbelievably fragrant!

The finished stew may be served alone, or over rice, polenta or pasta, and is nice garnished with a little parsley or young arugula.

Serves 3 or 4.

Per Serving: 155 calories, 6 g protein, 72 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat (4 g saturated), 16 mg cholesterol, 856 mg sodium, 2 g fiber.

Leek And Mushroom Stock:

This is a good alternative to chicken broth in almost any recipe. Put all ingredients in a large pot; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Strain for a clear stock.

Makes 1 1/2 to 2 quarts.

Per Cup: 20 calories, 3 g protein, 2 g carbohydrate, 0 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 356 mg sodium, 0 g fiber.

San Francisco Chronicle, 9/2/92.