2. Truffles are a rare mushroom that grows underground. Only found in limited areas of the world, truffles have proven impossible to mass produce. 1 Prized black truffles from France and white truffles from Italy are considered best for flavor and texture. They command the respect—and high prices—of rare gems or fine perfume. Here are 5 easy ways to add panache to the menu with affordable truffle foods, and keep everyone coming back for more.

3. Look for a good brand when purchasing truffle oils. It should contain quality, cold- pressed olive oil, and the label should say “infused,” or list truffle pieces. Beware the words “essence” or “aroma,” which indicate a synthetic flavoring has been added without actual truffle—the source of some frantic foodie controversy. 1 Use truffle oil sparingly; its flavor is intense and could overpower a dish. Sprinkle lightly over cooked meats, poultry, or soups to finish.

4. Italy boasts endless varieties of pasta. Egg noodles have a deeper flavor and heavier texture, making them perfect for creamy sauces. Prepared truffle creams make for a gourmet meal in minutes. Truffle cream is a non-dairy, emulsified olive oil with chunks of the best truffles, like the “white diamond” from Umbria. Choose dried egg fettucine or tagliatelle, cook, and drain. Blend in pieces of creamy cheese, add a few spoons of truffle cream, toss, and serve.

5. Think of ways to use salt—still thinking? Yes, the choices are endless. Even baking requires a pinch, and it’s a must for marinades or dressings. Now, imagine adding truffle bits to Sicilian sea salt, for an earthy dimension to steaks or roasted potatoes. Substitute for plain salt on morning eggs. Try making your own. Mince one thin truffle slice into a half-cup of your favorite sea salt. Seal tightly in a jar for at least a week to absorb flavor. 2

6. Separately or together, what’s not to love about truffles—or butter? Truffles are a flourish, to bring out the best in quality ingredients, like creamery butter. Find truffle butters that use genuine truffle bits. If you make your own, fluff the butter first so truffle shavings or oil blend throughout. Wrap your batch tightly in wax paper and freeze until ready to use. Then mix into a hot dish of pasta, dollop onto a grilled steak, or stir into steaming popcorn.

7. Truffles are no longer limited to the original Italian and French dishes that popularized them, just as couscous, made of crushed durum wheat, has spread from north African cultures around the world. 3 Traditionally topped with a hearty stew, or plain as a fluffy side dish, its mild flavor is enhanced with a few spoons of olive oil and truffle shavings. Whip up a side dish of pre- packaged Truffled Couscous, plus fresh herbs and butter just before serving, and breathe in that fragrant aroma.Truffled Couscous

8. If you know anything about truffles, you know they are pricey. Fortunately, you don’t have to go into debt for them. A little truffle goes a long way. That’s why gourmet products contain only bits or pieces, and recipes call for “shavings,” making them an affordable small luxury. Start with fine, pre-mixed products, like Truffle & Sicilian Sea Salt, to experiment with the taste.fine, pre-mixed products, like Truffle & Sicilian Sea Salt

9. Truffle foods can be enjoyed around the world, but how about hunting for truffles in their native ground—literally? If you’re looking for exotic travel ideas and can’t get enough of truffles, consider a truffle-hunting adventure in the hills of Umbria, Italy. No animals are harmed in truffle hunting! On the contrary, those truffle-hunting dogs are cultivated like fine race horses, and no doubt they eat well every day.

10. Sabatino Tartufi have maintained a family tradition of fine foods from Umbria, Italy, for over a hundred years. Learn more about our high quality products and the famous truffle-hunting adventures in Umbria, by contacting: info@sabatinotartufi.com, or visit www.sabatinotruffles.com.info@sabatinotartufi.comwww.sabatinotruffles.com

11. Sources 1.http://priceonomics.com/the-truffle-oil-shuffle/http://priceonomics.com/the-truffle-oil-shuffle/ 2.http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/articles/detail/truffle-salthttp://www.gourmetsleuth.com/articles/detail/truffle-salt 3.http://www.cliffordawright.com/caw/food/entries/display.php/topic_id/ 3/id/34/http://www.cliffordawright.com/caw/food/entries/display.php/topic_id/ 3/id/34/