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Cheese o' the Month:
Boschetto al
Tartufo
What could
be more scrumptious than a "basket of truffles"?
This outrageously delicious blend of cow and sheep
milk is amped up by the addition of chopped white
truffles.
This tender
cheese has a sweet, creamy flavor with the
unmistakable influence of the white truffles.
Use it as an impressive platter addition or grate
it into eggs or onto roasted veggies or pasta. Because
it is so flavorful, a little goes a long way (which
helps make up for its high price).
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What
is a Truffle?
Truffles, glorious truffles. These elusive,
exclusive critters possess one of the most
identifiable aromas and flavors in the culinary
world.
Technically, truffles are a tuber. As
opposed to toadstood-style mushrooms, which are
susceptible to predators and bad weather, the foofy
truffle grows underground. Great for the truffle, not
so great for the truffle seeker. Enter the oinkers!
Because a truffle's scent is similar to male
pig sex hormone (yum!), female pigs are used to find
their hiding places underground. Downside: pigs tend
to eat the truffles once they're discovered (I would
consider that a perk of the job). Enter the barkers!
Since dogs can be trained to find the truffles without
eating them, they have become the preferred
hunters.
"White truffles"
are from northern Italy and are the priciest option,
fetching up to $2500 per pound. "Black truffles" are
usually from France and are more affordable
(a mere $900 per pound). |
Cheese
Classes Resume in October
So, I
had the best of intentions to have cheese classes this
month. But alas, it is not humanly (or as least
Jill-ly possible). So, look for new classes in
October. And I promise I'll make it up to you by
planning something most excellent! |
