Friday, November 12, 2010

Mushrooms, Chestnuts & Truffles!

From the chestnut forest of Monte Amiata, and from the woods around our house, come some of my favorite hunting, gathering, and eating experiences. And they happen at this time of year!

A few days ago we got Giacomo, one of Montisi's five registered truffle hunters, to take us out with his faithful poodle Kika.

Within five minutes, Kika was sniffing and pawing a small patch of ground like a real truffle hound . Then Giacomo took over.

After a few more minutes of digging with his harpoon shaped spade and sniffing fistfulls of earth, Giacomo had unearthed a respectable 40 gram truffle.

A perfect serving for two over scrambled eggs, baked potatoes, or our favorite, taggliatele with sage butter. Don't forget the Barolo!