My wonderful parents were in France a few weeks ago and they brought me back foodie gold. A fresh black truffle, bought from a man in a market selling it with his pig at his side. How charming is that?
So I had to decide how to use it, and really learn about truffles in general.
The first thing I discovered is that there are two main kinds of truffles, black and white. White truffles can be eaten raw, while black truffles must be cooked. Typically if you have white truffles you use them by shaving them over dishes like risottos and eggs.
I also learned that beside the imported truffles from France and Italy, Oregon actually cultivates truffles as well. China also produces a lower quality truffle which are frequently substituted and branded as Italian or French so be careful!
Any guesses on what I made? Come back on Friday to find out!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
is it bad that up until a few years ago i only thought truffles were chocolates? can't wait to see what you made!
Lucky you! Gold, indeed. Can't wait to see what you make!
Wow- I can't believe that you got to cook with a truffle. I'm really excited to see what you made.
I bet the truffle's worth you make a risotto!
Wow! I did not know that! I guess you are going to make some rissoto! It is the usual dish made from truffles.
Gosh now I am green with envy….your parents really do know your foodie heart!!! Surprise us!!!!
Mmm… I live in Italy, and I absolutely love truffle! It's especially wonderful on a fresh plate of homemade pasta, with lots of parmesan =)
Karyn – I don't think its that weird at all!
Hungry Dog\Jen…. just wait until tomorrow muhahah
Peter\kitchen table – I didn't make a risotto, I think I might do that next time…
Nina – I know! I was sooo impressed!!
Stephanie – now that sounds pretty good! Lucky you.
Hi there,
You know, the black truffles can be eaten raw also…often are in fact. What you got in a jar is technically no longer a fresh truffle, so it won’t have the same potency but there are loads of delicious things you could have done with it, including making your own truffle oil. If you are interested, I happen to have just posted about truffles, as I live in the south of France and it is now the best part of truffle season…and I just got back from the annual truffle market. Where did your buy the truffle? In the Perigord region?
Tammy – this is great information! Everything I know I read from googling, so I will know better for next time.
I believe my parents bought it somewhere near … yeah I can’t remember exactly.