cooking with truffles
 

So I'm in spain and I found some cheap truffles. Sadly I have no idea what I should do with them. Anyone know how to cook with truffles?

I've had them only once or twice and found them to be really "earthy" and didn't really like them

Bravo had the television show Top Chef a few months ago, and one of the competions was for making something with truffles - gravies seemed to be the big thing- but the winner was a simple mac and cheese (made with 3 cheeses) and truffles at the bottom- just sliced thinly at the bottom of the bowl, mac and cheese poured on top, and some cheese on top and then broiled.. this was a big hit among professional chefs and honestly looked pretty good

Yumm mac and cheese....

I may be all wrong, but truffles I think have a very strong smell that is similar to mushrooms only much more intense. As far as I know they should be used sparingly because of the intensity of flavour, and usually uncooked are best, shaved over a pasta dish or so.

I personally would probably use them to infuse some olive oil. While less intense (a good thing for my palate) truffle oil will last much, much longer then you will be able to get flavor out of the truffles themselves. In the fridge it will last for months. Note that the oil will get cloudy when cooled, simply take it out about a half hour before cooking with it to bring it to room temp.

As to how to use it, I like to make a simple sauce (see this thread) and add the oil to the pasta before adding the sauce.