Truffles are a rare type of edible fungi, similar to a mushroom, that grow mainly in France, Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia. Truffles have also been found in the U.S., both in Oregon and Washington state. Truffles grow among the roots of oak, elm, chestnut, pine, and willow trees. “Farming” truffles is not done because it is very difficult to duplicate conditions as well as being very cost INeffective. This is why truffles cost so much. They are a seasonal, rare and delicate gourmet item that is admired for texture, flavor and essence.

Try these two easy recipes to enjoy the truffle’s flavor:

Spring Truffle Sandwich

· 1/2 baguette
· 1/2 avocado
· 2 teaspoons truffle oil
· sea salt
· 1 small tomato, sliced
· 4-6 fresh basil leaves

1. Cut two 6-inch long pieces from the baguette, and slice each piece open lengthwise. Toast bread until light brown and crispy. Transfer the bread to a plate. Drizzle the face of each bread piece with truffle oil, roughly 1/2 teaspoon on each piece.

2. Using a butter knife, take the avocado half, score three to four thin slices of avocado without piercing the skin, and slide the slices out with the knife. Spread onto the bottom piece of bread. Repeat for the other bread bottoms. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and a dash of lemon juice.

3. Layer fresh whole basil leaves, and tomato slices on top of the avocado. Serve with soup or salad.


Tuna Truffle Triumph

6 oz. of Blue Fin Tuna
0.5 oz. of fresh summer or winter truffle
salt and black pepper, to taste
1 oz. of tobiko (flying fish roe)
1 pint of chives
Spicy mayo (mix ketchup, mayo and tabasco)
Small handful of greens
4 potato chips
1/2 avocado
baguette

1. Dice tuna and black truffle into small pieces, put tuna/truffle, salt/pepper, chives and tobiko all in a mixing bowl, mix well and add spicy mayo.

2. Cut small sandwich loafs from long baguette. Remove excess, inside bread then, fill with the mix. Add chips and sliced avocado. Garnish with greens.

Other truffle cooking tips:

Truffle butter on grilled cheese makes a special statement.
Sear a petit filet mignon. Let filet mignon rest, slice thinly and serve with aioli and arugula on pumpernickel. Yum!


Terrific Truffle Grilled Cheese Sandwich

• 8 slices of fresh baked white bread
• 16 slices of fontina cheese
• 2 tablespoons sweet butter, unsalted
• 2 oz. fresh shaved black winter truffles
• Salt and pepper

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.

2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add butter. When the butter melts, add the sandwiches and cook until the bread is toasted. Remove and slice sandwiches in half. Serve and enjoy!!