What To Do About Truffles?

Truffles are expensive....

Truffles are available from a variety of places in Oregon.  Not quite the same as the French and Italian varieties, but James Beard liked the Oregon ones better.  They do have a season, Starting in mid January.  As stated, not cheap, $250 or so a pound, but far less than european varieties.

   Hi there :)

   Truffles are a very unique mushroom, substituting another mushroom will not be the same.  But truffles are often used to "top" or "finish" the dish, if you do not have truffles...no problem...top with something else that you do have on hand.  Truffles are completely different in flavor and their huge aroma.  While pricing truffles per pound gives you a big WOW factor, you don't have to buy them by the pound.  One small black truffle will cost you around $30-$100.  I have bought the jarred truffles once before and thought it was a BIG waste of money, nothing like a fresh truffle (my opinion).

   Anyway, don't give up on truffles...but substitute other ingredients in recipes for them.  Just know that there is nothing quite like them.

  Enjoy!

Dan

Cheats truffle omelette, Place 6 very fresh eggs in a plastic bag with a fresh black truffle, seal and leave in the fridge for 24 hrs so the eggs absorb the truffle scent.

Make a fine dice of any black gilled mushroom and fry in butter till dry.

Remove and keep the truffle. Make your omelette, sprinkle with the mushrooms before folding and sprinkle some on after plating.

http://www.restaurantzigante.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31&Itemid=27&lang=en

Interesting Post.

Special Occasion Dish, Risotto di Trufa e Parmesano.

( Risotto with Truffles and Reggiano Parmesano)

M.C.

One can use in many dishes, what are called truffle peelings which are much cheaper. US truffles are not quite as expensive and although not great are passable. There is a company in Jersey, the name escapes me but is one of the largest importers in the US and they ship all over.

I think name is Urbani

BTW: avoid truffle oils. Not worth.

I've never really adored truffles.  To me it's like lobster and caviar...sure its good but I could easily eat something else and be happier, although I can recall every instance that I have eaten white truffles.  If you're really serious about trying your recipes out, go for it!  But realize that they are not cheap and I personally wouldnt want you to be disappointed.  When in season, drop the $100 bucks, invite a couple friends over and impress

http://www.oregonblacktruffles.com/

http://www.urbani.com/

If you want to experience an enjoyable weekend au truffe, go here:  http://www.oregontrufflefestival.com/tickets.html

I did this a few years ago.  The package we had amounted to the $725 version.  A little pricy, but two gourmet dinners, 3 days of fun, and the opportunity to learn a lot about Oregon truffles and wines was worth it.  I will go back someday.