When I think of truffles, I used to imagine small bite-sized pieces of chocolate filled with a luscious surprise. If asked to describe a truffle, most people’s imagination would conjure the same image. However, there is a new truffle in town and it is making its way onto menus, recipes, and even grocery stores. If you’re not sure what I’m referencing, I’d like to introduce you to the Truffle mushroom:
Don’t let looks deceive you... while it’s no eye candy (pun intended) its rich earthiness will leave you craving it even more than the chocolate truffle. I became addicted to this unique flavor last year after finding out that a chef put truffle oil in macaroni and cheese. I could not put my finger on exactly what was in this common comfort dish that made it even more addicting than the original. According to some, the flavor that I couldn’t describe is actually Umami, also known as the “fifth taste”.*
Suddenly, I began to notice this new truffle everywhere. I found that truffle fries were popping up on menu’s and then on a trip to Napa I discovered that Napa Style carried truffle salt! At $30 a container, I was not ready to commit to buying it. Thankfully, I held off because I had reached the truffle mecca on a recent trip to Pike’s Market in Seattle. They had truffle EVERYTHING…truffle salt, truffle oils, truffle creams, and even truffle honey! The sales lady informed me that truffle tastes incredible on just about anything and to go crazy and experiment with it. So I did and walked out with truffle salt, black truffle honey, & white truffle honey.
Since discovering it, I’ve also purchased black truffle oil and began adding truffle salt to my popcorn, baked potatoes, scrambled eggs & homemade french fries. The other day I added white truffle honey to my beets and even treated myself to black truffle honey with brie and crackers.
I must add that purchasing anything "truffle" will be a little pricey, but it only takes a small amount to add a sophisticated and mesmerizing flavor to any dish. Trust me, what you pay is worth it! Next time you’re out at a restaurant and see it on the menu be a little daring and try it or buy some at your local grocery store. You no longer have to be a chocolate lover to adore the “truffle!”
* The four tastes most people recognize are salty, sweet, bitter, and sour. Want to learn more about Umami, check out www.umamiinfo.com
Not sure where to purchase truffle products? Here's where I purchased some of mine: http://trufflecafe.com/main.sc
