Munchies

Affordable Truffles for Gifts

By morel delimma ⋅ November 2, 2006 ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Black Winter Truffles are far superior to summer truffles, as they’ve had time to mature. The drawback is that you will always pay more for black winter truffles, but this offer by JR Mushrooms & Specialties comes in at less than $20.00US ($14.00 at this writing). These French truffles weigh in at .45 oz, and they’re packed in brine - an all-natural gift for someone special or just to keep for yourself. And - before you go searching - a truffle from Tarragon, Spain will taste the same as one from Carpentras, France…

Truffles go best with simple foods like scrambled eggs, omelettes, pasta, rice, or a typical Piemontese meat dish like Brasato, with truffle thinly, delicately sliced over it. While you might think you need a special truffle knife, a regular paring knife or a mandolin will do just as nicely to shave the truffles. In fact, you will release even more flavor out of a truffle if you break it up and mash it with a fork. Garlic, onion, chives, leek, celery, celery root, and parmesan enhance its flavor, and many recipes pair them with scallops, crayfish, foie gras, asparagus or cabbage.

Keep it simple, though, if you want to enjoy the aroma and taste that will enhance just about any food.