Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Yummies: Do the truffle shuffle! We suuuper hearty heart truffles...the fungi...


So it totally goes with out saying how much we love truffles...OK, OK you're right...how much we are obsessed with chocolate truffles....


But guess what? This post is about how much we are psycho for the other kind o' Truffle...the fungus kind!

Sooooo aromatic...super shmancy and pungent...and the flavor?... Indescribably decadent, warm, satisfying and unmistakable when you smell and taste it.
There literally is nothing like tasting truffles...nada!


Truffles are the Kings and Queens of the fungus family...there are 3 main types...and 2 of which fetch well over $1,000 per pound!!!!


Black- The most pungant and truffle-y truffle, found mostly in France and a few in Spain
White- The more delicate and almost garlic-y one, found in Italy
Grey- Found in the US and disregarded by most gourmands as a truffle...darn...

And the bestest part of truffles (besides the flavor of course) the only way to harvest them is with a pig!

There are certain pigs that can seek out these clumps o' flavor...cute!!!

Wanna love us even more than you already do? Yay! Here are our fave ways to enjoy the yumminess...
So no one dish gets their feelings hurt these are in no particular order...

Oh dear lordie mcgorgie!!!!!
Nothing says gourmet USA like the ridiculously stupid (and by that we mean amazing) gooey delish Truffled Mac N' Cheese...

Once you go Mac you will never go back

We love a super easy yet totally chic appetizer for our get togethers...the kind not found in the freezer.
Goat cheese and truffle oil crostini...


Crostini
8 ounces goat cheese
Truffle Oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh thyme leaves
Prepare Crostini; set aside until ready to use.
When ready to serve, spread each slice of toasted bread with a thin layer of goat cheese. Pour a small amount of truffle oil into a teaspoon and tilt the spoon to sprinkle 3 or 4 drops on each toast.
Sprinkle black pepper over the top and garnish with a few thyme leaves.
Makes 16 servings.

Hello easy yumminess!

OK, so most of you have probably heard of Truffle mashed potatoes...super easy and delish to make at home. But, have you had Truffle roasted potatoes?!?!

Just as easy and waaaaaaay more exciting and shmancy.
Ingredients:
1 3/4 to 2 lb. Potatoes, New
1 teaspoon Vinegar, White Wine
2 tablespoons Truffle Oil, Black or White
1/2 to 1 tsp. Thyme, Basil or Rosemary, Dried
Pinch of Salt
2 Shallots, Minced

Directions:
Cut new potatoes in half. Toss in bowl with 1-1/2 tablespoons of truffle oil and salt. Roast in 350 degree oven until slightly browned and cooked through (approximately 45 minutes).

Remove potatoes from oven and place in original tossing bowl. Add vinegar, remaining truffle oil, herb of choice and minced shallots. Toss. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes. Serves 4.


We can not express enough how obsessed we are with Truffle pizza...soooo Italian. When you bite into it you will feel like you stepped into the streets of Rome.


Pizza Dough
Truffle Oil
2 cups mushrooms (shitake, crimini and or others)
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese

Roll out the dough and rub it with truffle oil. (I used 2-3 Tablespoons for the pizza) Saute mushrooms slightly in some olive oil or butter. Spread them over the pizza. Top with rounds of fresh mozzarella and sprinkle with parmesan. Cook pizza in a 500 degree oven on a pizza stone, if possible, until crust is browned and cheese is bubbling.

P.S. Trader Joe's and Fresh & Easy have great already made pizza doughs for you for under $1.75 a pop...You're Welcome ;)


Wanna up the ante? Rocco DiSpirito has a ridiculously amazing fancy pants Truffle Pizza...



And the ultimate and super American way (no offense USA... but the taste is out of this world) to enjoy the pungent decadence? Gossip Girl Truffle Grilled Cheese!


It has the Chuck Bass stamp of approval... You had us at Chuck Bass...

8 slices of fresh baked white bread (look for a local bakery)
16 slices of fontina cheese
2 tbsp sweet butter
2 oz fresh shaved black winter truffles
salt and pepper, to taste
  1. Layer 2 slices of fontina cheese between 2 slices of white bread and shave a couple of slices of truffles in the middle of each sandwich; do the same for all four sandwiches.
  2. Heat a large fry pan over medium heat and add the butter.
  3. When the butter melts, add the sandwiches and cook until the bread is nice and toasted.
  4. Remove and slice sandwiches in half and place into four plates.



The easiest ways to indulge and use Truffles with out having to pay a sick amount? With these 3 items we found for ya..

Yummmmmmmy Truffle oils! Sprinkle on pasta or eggs or veggies!

Amazing Truffle salt from Williams Sonoma...


We used last night on our asparagus...lets just say the chef got kissed!!!

And the most decadent way to use Truffles without having to stalk the striking and suave French chef at the farmers market? With real Truffle butter!


Every chef we have found is obsessed with D'artagnan's butter...and PS it's not stupidly (now we mean the bad way) expensive!



Buyer beware of fake truffle oils!!!

Do the Truffle Shuffle! You will jump back and kiss yourself!




xoxo things we heart

2 comments:

COCAMIA said...

WOW!!! Such a great post! I love Truffles too!

Noelle Swan Gilbert said...

Please remove the crostini photo. It's a copyrighted image and you don't have permission to 1) distort it, and 2) use it with out a photo credit.