Black Beauties, wafting truffles from Occitania

March 7, 2005

It wasn’t a conventional Valentine’s Day gift, but I do think it should become one. I am lucky enough to have dear friends that live in a part of the world where these elephant-skinned nuggets grow underground. Fortune would have it that 2 days before their arrival up here in the Polar Circle a local Occitanian Truffle Fête was in full-swing. and JT and Kristi were wise to bring a bag filled with the little nodules.

They present me with the bag, grinning from ear to ear. I put my face inside, and inhale deeply.

I am confronted with the most glorious, heady aroma, a combination of rich, loamy earth, wafting diesel fuel, fresh ground peanut butter, and fart. Now in just the right combination, that’s a good thing.

Here’s what I prepared for the 3 of us the very next day:
- Knolsla (celeriac cole sla) with truffled mayonnaise and beet ravioli
- Truffled Chicken in salt crust with ‘basically raw broccoli’ and truffle butter
- Pots de Crumbly Crumble (truffle-free)

Never have I received such a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift; I was given an object but got an evening-filling experience. Thank you JT and Kristi!
(Please read more… )

debra at 21:42 | Comments (6) | post to del.icio.us

Frozen

March 6, 2005

It’s like this… No excuses. Yes excuses. I am leaving for India in 3 days for a Nomadic Banquet! I wasn’t joking about the bad eating habits 2 entries ago. The urban mapping workshop that I will be leading for the Doors of Perception and the Dutch Art Institute is about street food.

Please forgive and forget and stay tuned to this blog.

debra at 23:55 | Comments (0) | post to del.icio.us