Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The Truffle Hunt
Next week starts a delicious Truffle promotion in our stores which got me thinking a lot about the most asked questions in our stores, our range of truffle products and easy ideas for a gourmet truffle taste.
We often hear “What is a truffle? A truffle is a subterranean fungi of the genus tuber. They grow under ground and are usually hunted by pigs or trained dogs. However, the white truffle in Oregon is often being hunted with only a trained eye.
The most asked question is by far is about our truffle oils, “which is better, white or black truffle?” The better of the two is really whichever tastes the best to you. We can certainly tell you the differences; white truffle oil has a more delicate, nutty, flavor with a hint of garlic, where the black truffle oil is more pungent and earthier. Both are delicious; it really just depends on your pallet. Italian white truffle is rarer, and for that reason is more expensive, but again, both are of the highest quality.

We have a wonderful variety of truffle products in this promotion, from truffle salt, black and white truffle oils, truffle pasta and risotto, truffle crème, my favorite, truffle salsa (black olive tapenade with champignon and porcini mushrooms and black summer truffle seasoned with spices, salt and pepper) and many more, so make sure you stop in for a taste!
Truffle, when added to even the most basic food can make a gourmet dish in an instant.
· Add a few drops of white or black truffle oil to scrambled eggs
· Use the truffle crème instead of mayonnaise on your favorite sandwich
· Add shavings of truffle to ravioli with Extra Virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese
· Drizzle truffle oil on macaroni and cheese
· Add a jar of the truffle salsa to your favorite pasta with a bit of garlic and crushed chili pepper.
· Sprinkle a bit of truffle oil on French fries
· Use our truffle crème in potato salad
And those are just a few to get you started!
Come on in, have a taste and share your passion!