Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: Black Truffle Dinner


Inspired by my recent truffle vacation to the South of France, I decided to host a black truffle dinner as part of this month's Food Buzz 24, 24, 24 series. If you have ever been curious about truffles, this post will give you a couple of ideas for how truffles can be used in appetizers, the main course and dessert.



Even before I got my hands on the pile of aromatic black nuggets that I purchased from Gourmet Attitude, I had several tantalizing truffles appetizers to keep me well distracted throughout the night. Foie gras infused with bits of black truffles and spread over a toasted slice of bread. It was simply divine, imagine foie gras with flavors of port wine, wild mushrooms, and cheese. The spread offered a nice balance of sweet and savory with rich and earthy undertones.

 

Black truffle tapenade from Provence, which is a pounded paste of ripe black olives, black truffles, capers, and olive oil, spread over a toasted thin slice of French bread. This spread was luxuriously delicate, earthy with hints of herbs.  It is a truly scrumptious appetizer that exemplifies the essence of black summer truffles at its best. 


You may have already seen truffle cheese, but have you seen truffle salami?  This was a first for me, and I found the earthiness of the black summer truffles to work well  with the blend of herbs, spices and salt in the salami. It was simply delicious!


In nearly all of the truffle recipes I've read, the most common recommendation was to treat the truffle very simply, so as not to distract from the natural flavors that are so highly prized. This last truffle appetizer had thinly shaved truffles over a toasted slice of bread, drizzled with truffle oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt. This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy truffle, simply and gloriously.


For the main course, we seared rib eye steaks from Prather Ranch, which cattle ranch that raises beef sustainably, organically and humanely. This tender well-marbled steak was topped with shaved truffles from Gourmet Attitude and thinly sliced chives.


Accompanying the steak were truffle mashed potatoes, which I learned from a French cooking class in Provence. Creamy, buttery with complex earthiness, truffles give an exquisite and sophisticated flair to this down to Earth classic comfort food.


To complete the entree, grilled asparagus was wrapped in prosciutto di Parma, and topped with shaved truffles.


For dessert, we had truffle panna cotta, which  yielded a pleasant creamy luscious mouth feel with flavors of salted caramel and earthy cocoa undertones that were beautifully integrated. Also, intriguing were the textures that yield a slight pop from the microscopic vanilla beans and supple truffle rind.

Truffle honey was drizzled on one of the panna cotta servings, which added an interesting pungent sweet twist.


The dinner was paired with a bottle of 2007 Domaine du Pegau Cuvee Reservee, a lovely Chateauneuf du Pape I brought back from my recent trip to Provence. Robert Parker, among other renown wine critics, have declared the 2007 as a classic vintage in Chateauneuf du Pape, so I couldn't find a better reason to open this special wine than for this truffle dinner. It was most appropo given that the best French truffles grow close Chateauneuf du Pape. The 2007 Pegau is a beautiful medium-bodied wine, brimming with flavors of ripe summer strawberries, pomegranate, blackberries and kirsch. Although slightly astringent in its youth, this wine shows tremendous potential to grow more sophisticated in complexity and elegant as the tannins mellow in the years coming.


Exquisite, decadent and luxurious, this is a dinner we will not soon forget. Thank you Foodbuzz for sponsoring this event!

79 comments:

Chef E said...

Oh come to momma you black bundle of fungi love!

What a spread!

The wine, well lets just say every sip is worth its weight in gold like its truffle counter part!

You are amazing Christine...

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

What an amazing, beautiful dinner! And what a great way to celebrate your recent trip! :)

ann low said...

A wonderful dinner, great post!

Momo said...

what a fancy dinner!

♥Sugar♥Plum♥Fairy♥ said...

Ofcourse im ver curious about truffles and felt like u wrote this post jus for me :-))))
A super post with splendid recipes:-)))
fantastic..

Stella said...

I remember you wanted to try a 2007 from that region-don't know if that was the one, but I hope it was all that you were expecting. The dinner looks really fabulous, and the panna cotta is particularly interesting.

Deana Sidney said...

I haven't had truffles in so long (well since the price went through the roof!) You have so many brilliant ideas for truffles... that panna cotta went immediately into my recipe file. But do tell me where to get that truffle salami... that looks too amazing!

square kitchen said...

That looks deluxe. I love the idea of the dessert with truffle. and the accompanying chateauneuf du pape... what a great diner.

Pam said...

What a great dinner, very scrumptious looking! There's nothing like truffles and it looks so delicious with the steak! Love those rib eyes and that's the perfect addition! Yum!

Cool Lassi(e) said...

Dear,
That looks like a fabulous but VERY expensive dinner spread.

That's Ron said...

wow! truffles... pardon me... i'm a truffle virgin.. what does it taste like?

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Oh, my stars. This is heavenly. With every photo, it keeps getting better, but the truffle panna cotta is just mindblowing!

Joanne said...

If I could use any word to describe this meal, it would definitely be unforgettable! Each component just builds on and gets better than the next. Great menu!

La Table De Nana said...

I agree everything is lovely..but the black truffle panna cotta photos are♥

Fabulous.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

So well done!!! This is truffle mania all in one sitting.

Barbara said...

And did my invitation get lost in the mail???

So. The only truffle anything I have in the house at this moment is truffle salt. I am going to try a couple of your ideas...the tapanade looks divine and so does the panna cotta!

Love your photos! Love this blog!

Belinda @zomppa said...

Truffle honey! Fabulous idea. sounds like it was one dinner. =)

Sarah @ Mum In Bloom said...

Gorgeous photos. I admit, I've never tried truffles and will have to now. They remind me of fairy tales with big bad pigs that'll do anything to get one. Your post was very inspiring indeed :)

Beth said...

Everything looks fantastic Christine! Excellent job taking everything you learned in France and applying it in your own kitchen!

Kim said...

This post is like the ultimate culmination of all your truffle posts:)
You really went all out and prepared a gorgeous feast! Everything looks beautifully prepared. Great post!

OysterCulture said...

Oh my goodness - Christine, I am in awe - this sounds amazing. What an evening. Love all the dishes, and the salami I'd have thought would be overwhelming but now must sample for myself. What an amazing meal.

PS - I've been having some trouble lately getting my comments posted on sites, I thought I was all caught up, but saw that none of my comments in the last week took - so just to let you know, I have been reading and enjoying all that you have written.

Fresh Local and Best said...

Thanks everyone for your enthusiastic comments!

Stella - The 2007 Pegau was very good, although I think it will be amazing in a few years. This wine has tremendous potential to grow more complex and elegant over the years.

lostpastremembered - The truffle salami and the truffle mousse was from Murray's Cheese Shop in Grand Central Market.

The balance of the truffle products were from Gourmet Attitude which is my trusted source for the best truffles.

that's ron Thank you for reminding me to describe truffles. What do they taste like? It depends on what type of truffle. The one in this post is a Burgundy black truffle, which is earthier more mushroomy than the Perigord, which can taste like a beautiful combination of red wine, chocolate, Parmesan cheese, and is wonderfully aromatic!

El said...

Exquisite. You've become quite the truffle expert. Everything looks fantastic!

Ravenous Couple said...

what an amazing meal! your photos are getting more and more spectacular...love the honey dripping on the panna cotta shot

Michelle said...

WOW..an entire dinner of truffle delights!

The truffle panna cotta sounds amazingly good!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

How lucky you are to have such beautiful black truffles! Every truffle-infused course sounds heavenly. I especially love the idea of them in mashed potatoes! I had the pleasure of having black truffle pate last weekend. It was wonderful.

Unknown said...

With everything going on, I cannot believe you were able to also host a 24,24,24 dinner! Congrats on an amazing looking spread!

Angie's Recipes said...

What a scrumptious trufle treat! How delightful!

Pam said...

Never had truffles, but your meal looks amazing!

xoxo

Sherry said...

FABULOUS dinner, Christine! Everything looks so delicious and beautiful! And that wine - WOW!

Namitha said...

Wonderful meal..Got to try truffles soon :-) What I liked the most is pannacotta..You know, always dessert is the most fav part of any meal for me..lol..

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

good for you... excellent use of the honor.

Lori said...

What a great 24 event! I would have loved to have been a guest with a seat at that table. :) Truffles don't show up on menus much around here, but I had my first sample out in Vegas last year. They are amazing!

Meena said...

lovely dinner...the spread looks just awesome!

Mardi Michels said...

What a wonderful idea for a 24 event Christine! I guess my invite got lost in the mail though? ;-) I would have flown to NYC for THAT meal!!

John Dryzga said...

The only problem with a dinner like that is how are you going to top it!

Sounds like it was a extraordinary evening.

tasteofbeirut said...

Hey I could be happy with the baguette, good saucisson and great wine! I will try black truffles next time I am in Paris, promise!

♥peachkins♥ said...

wow! Everything looks divine!

Reeni said...

What an elegant and beautiful meal! Truffle heaven!

Art and Appetite said...

Christine! You are a goddess in the food world! You should be joining Iron Chef, with your flexible knowledge on different recipes for a certain ingredient. You are fabulous!

Laurie said...

Your dinner was like truffle heaven! Your recipes and ideas are all so creative and look fabulous, as do your photos. Wow.

Daniel@thefoodaddicts.com said...

Wow what a wonderful feast! Talk about tuffles galore! I wish I could of attended that fancy dinner! Congrats on winning 24,24,24 don't forget to check out our post.. :)

Deb in Hawaii said...

What a gorgeous and glorious dinner. Everything looks incredible and that panna cotta is just amazing!

Mimi said...

WOW! Excellent meal.
Mimi

Kitchen M said...

Wow! Congratulations on 24, 24, 24!
What a fantastic, lavish meal you had! Every dish is so creative. :)

Sutapa said...

Great post! I must say it is an excellent and exotic dinner. Love that truffle pannacota amazing!

Jamie said...

Wow! That is simply stunning but that truffle panna cotta has me floored. I definitely must start buying up all those amazing truffle products I come across! You have inspired! We have been recently adding truffle salt to so many dishes and it is amazing how just a dusting can completely change the flavor of a dish!

3 hungry tummies said...

I would love to be invited to that meal :) Everything looks fantastic and the wine...mmm

sweetlife said...

what a wonderful feast..I love the truffle salami and the dessert too ingenious..great job and so many nice pics..

sweetlilfe

kat said...

so decadent!

Table Talk said...

I would have loved to have been a guest at this dinner party---what a treat!

The Diva on a Diet said...

Wow, what a decadent and delicious feast! While it all looks good to me, its the amazing panna cotta that's really calling my name. My stars that looks yummy!

Great 24, 24, 24 post!

Sarah Naveen said...

Beautiful pics...Looks so yummy!!

MaryMoh said...

Mmmm....looks delicious. A lot of new things here for me to learn.

Kathleen said...

Great post. Great spread. Wish I was a guest!!!!

Dolce said...

This is a great idea and would make for a lovely easter dinner!

La Bella Cooks said...

What a stunning feast! Everything looks so delicious.

Stephanie said...

You had me at tapenade!

nancy at goodfoodmatters said...

You are the truffle-knowingest! Superb dinner; I especially like the truffled mashed potatoes and panna cotta.

Diana Bauman said...

What a fantastic 24,24,24!! Love all of the truffle dishes. The panna cotta looks to die for! Always so impressed by your knowledge. Besitos!!

FOODalogue said...

I sure would have loved to have a seat at that table. I'm sure it was exquisite, decadent, luxurious...and memorable!

Anonymous said...

A fabulous decadent feast! Everything looks so amazing, what a wonderful way to recreate the memories of your trip!

sophia said...

Now, why didn't I think of this? Would be nice to have someone pay for my TRUFFLE meal! Wowowza!!

The Duo Dishes said...

Such a fancy, elegant meal. You had a great idea, and it was nice to learn just a bit more about truffles.

Unknown said...

holy moly! it all looks so good! I really need to try something "truffle"

Rhandi said...

Mmm! Go girl go! Way to celebrate your trip and all that you experienced and learned. What a elegant fabulous party- definitely something to remember!

Tangled Noodle said...

Simply tremendous! I have tasted black truffles just once and it was a bare shaving at that. But the flavor is so rich and intense, it's unforgettable. This was truly a magnificient 24, 24, 24!

Aron said...

Were my wife to enter into a 100 foot radius around your kitchen, she would think she died and went to heaven.

A few years ago in Paris we went to a restaurant that specialized in truffles. She got a cold the day before. Someday I'll make it up to her!

White Hot Oven said...

Congrats on the 24,24,24! The meal looks amazing! You must be an octopus to be able to get all that done with everything else that has been going on in your life lately!

Tasty Eats At Home said...

What a luxurious and delicious event! Yum! So jealous!

Mhel said...

What a generous amount of truffles in every plate. you're such in a pure bliss in every bite....

talida said...

Oh my, what a decadent feast! Great pictures and what a wonderful pick for 24, 24, 24!

redmenace said...

Every single thing looks simply amazing. I've never worked with truffles, but have eaten my fair share of them. Thanks for the inspirations!

Lick My Spoon said...

wow that looks incredible! i'm in awe that you have such nuggets of decadence in your possession. well done!

A Canadian Foodie said...

OK Christine... how much did you pay for those truffles? And were you not truffled out by the end of the meal? That is a LOT of UMAMI in one sitting. Looks delectable... but, I have truffled honey (love it on cheese) and it is enough for a bit. Did you buy yours fresh or frozen? I see there are only frozen available now, and am curious to know how well they freeze. The truffled potatoes would be outrageously grand. Who were the guests of honor? How far did your truffles go? I am really curious about how many this huge amount of truffles fed... and when you make a pate, do you need fresh truffles?
You have me going. I am curious, and bitting my nails waiting for all of your answers. And... yes, I would love to attend a meal like this. No doubt about it. Just wonder if it was a little too much of a good thing?
:)
Valerie
Love your wine selection!

Delicious Dishings said...

Oh my goodness. This was such a great idea for a Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24! I just had a white bean dip with black truffle oil when I was out at dinner the other night, and I was thinking about how I need to do more with truffles or at least truffle oils. The prosciutto wrapped asparagus might be going on my to-make list.

Chubby Chinese Girl said...

oh my gosh! that looks amazing!!!! will u ever host another truffle night =) gosh.. drooling all over my keyboard

Lori Lynn said...

Christine - You are my hero!
LL

Erika Kerekes said...

That looks like an absolutely beautiful meal! Do you happen to have the recipe for the truffled panna cotta? I'm planning a truffle menu for an upcoming party and would love to see it....