'Being a truffle can be disconcerting, as truffle is the domineering ingredient in dishes,' says Andrew Haskins of 3Seeds Cooking School. The leading Canberra chef (ex 'the fig') and cooking school owner is presenting a series of unique and informative hunt and cook packages during the truffle season. It's a Friday night and we're seated in a marquee in the middle of a paddock, not far from the truffle shed. A twilight truffle hunt is finished and now we're in for more sensory pleasure. Haskins has the stove fired up and has planned a mini-feast for the attendees. We'll be tasting and smelling truffles and truffle-infused dishes as we listen to sage advice on the best ways to use these earthy treasures. 'I remember first seeing truffles in 1979, as an apprentice in Melbourne.' Haskins tells me before the class. 'They looked like tiny balls of rubber, and tasted the same!' he laughs. 'My first personal 'go' with truffles was in the 90’s at our restaurant, 'the fig'. Truffle butter drizzled over pan seared blue eye cod with a truffle scented potato mash,' he explains. 'My best truffle experience was in 2010. A cafe in Certaldo, Tuscany, with my wife, Catherine, for her 40th. Fresh truffle pasta, both made with and shaved on top (not my thing now) and served with an awesome local Chianti,' he recalls. A truffle is not the cheapest food commodity. Indeed, it is an investment. Haskins says that when most people buy themselves a truffle, they make the mistake of shaving the whole thing over a dish of scrambled eggs or pasta. 'Then the truffle is gone all at once. And, what's more, you only smell a little of the truffle by doing that,' he adds. To get the most out of the truffle, and bang for your buck, the idea is to layer the flavours and infuse products to give them truffle pungency. 'You can get so much truffle mileage in such a short time by bringing flavours together to creative a little party. And, you've still got the truffle to use,' says Haskins. Here are the chef's suggestions and top tips. The last one is a cracker!
I really like these ideas, don't you? Tell me, have you ever tried truffle? What are your favourite ways of using truffle?
18 Comments
Lizzy
18/6/2015 12:38:09 am
Ah, yes, they surely do, don't they Krista : ) Thanks for stopping by x
Reply
Lizzy
18/6/2015 12:15:36 pm
Francesca, I am very lucky indeed!
Reply
Lizzy
18/6/2015 12:44:37 pm
Aren't they just, Amanda! Oooooh, yes, I hear you! : )
Reply
Eha
18/6/2015 04:11:44 pm
Oh I certainly would not like to put a monetary value on those two beauties :) !! Am guilty of oft using truffles, when around, with eggs and pasta. Knew about the egg, rice and salt 'tricks' but the rest is new and interesting . . . ooh, lucky you :) ! Have a good weekend: daresay it will be busy!!!
Reply
18/6/2015 07:27:10 pm
I had some honey with truffles in the other day and it was amazing. My favourite will always be truffle oil as it is easy to store. But, real truffles in duck egg scramble is awesome :)
Reply
18/6/2015 09:10:20 pm
I have tried storing truffles with eggs and yes, the flavour definitely permeates through the shell very well. But I am also guilty of shaving it all over a wonderful creamy pasta - to die for! Must invest in a bottle of vodka and find myself a rubbery truffle xx
Reply
20/6/2015 02:44:59 am
Some fabulous tips there if any of us mere mortals end up purchasing a truffle the size of the one in his hand. Have you tried that vodka Lizzy?. Can't imagine what it would be like.
Reply
21/6/2015 12:29:37 am
Truffle vodka, huh? That sounds interesting - but I think I'll stick to the brie suggestion!!
Reply
Deborah Harris
21/6/2015 01:20:06 am
Just want to let you know that ALDI have Casa Barelli Burgundy Truffles 25g $7.99 on sale this Wednesday 24th June. I am not sure about the quality but price is OK. I think there are about 2 truffles in a jar.
Reply
Gerry C
31/7/2016 02:23:15 am
Those ALDI preserved truffles are not too bad.
Reply
James Bradley
28/5/2017 05:13:21 am
The difference is further than chalk and cheese between Aldi truffles and canberra truffles. PLEASE don't judge truffles on the Aldi version. I got a truffle for my birthday - awesome! 21/6/2015 06:50:05 am
OMG - those are gorgeous truffles! Wow! I would love to get my hands on them...
Reply
Andrea
27/6/2015 11:26:10 am
Great ideas, I have a truffle, never too sure what to do with it, now I know! Thanks Liz!!!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Welcome...Üdvözölöm
Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
All
NB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
|