I was hoping that today I would be able to announce the arrival of white truffles at Mister Truffle HQ, but sadly we are paying for those heady days of warm autumnal air.

The white truffle season is well and truly delayed. The quality is still poor and the prices are really absurd. Speaking to my chef friends, it is clear that this is a problem in kitchens across the land.

We have therefore decided to hold off on the white truffles for another week.

Additionally, we’re seeing a sellers market this season so we are taking a slightly different approach to make sure you can enjoy white truffles over the festive period at a reasonable price.

We will only be doing 2 deliveries this year. One at the beginning of December, and one to arrive for you just before Christmas.

We will have limited supplies, so if you want to enjoy some white truffles this season, please order through the website and we will add you to the order.

If you do want a larger quantity of white truffle (100g plus) and are happy to pay the premium for scarcity, we will of course be able to help you as soon as we have truffles of sufficient quality coming through.

Thank you for your understanding and please do get in touch if you have any questions at all.

 

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It’s Wimbledon Time

It is that time of year again when everyone breaks out the sunglasses and hats and makes the most of a tradition that is truly British – Wimbledon. Being British we try not to let the rain bother us and those who cannot make it to the tournament in person can try to bring Wimbledon to them by indulging in a posh picnic while watching the tennis and enjoying the sun (when it’s out!).
Picnics have moved on a great deal from the days when we took cheese sandwiches and sausage rolls to the local park. Nowadays we all want something a little more exotic from our food and by taking inspiration from the continent we can add a new twist to some British favourites without losing the European feel of the ingredients. So I’ve put together 10 ideas to help you create the perfect posh picnic!

 

1. Truffle Pork Pie

Truffle is a luxury ingredient that is now within the fiscal reach of many people and can be added to a variety of picnic foods to bring a touch of class to the British tradition. Those who buy fresh truffle will already have a few ideas on how best it can be used, but there are plenty of options that you may not have thought of. Why not try a truffle pork pie? I recently worked with Sarah at Bray’s Cottage to make the worlds first truffle pork pie! The truffle pork pie is made using shavings of fresh truffle and using quails eggs and hens eggs as well as top quality pork. The pork pie has been a part of picnic tradition for decades but the truffle version is the ideal way to add a touch of luxury to an old favourite.

 

2. Truffle Salami

Truffle Salami is another option for a picnic with a difference. While both fresh truffle and salami are distinctly European, Cornwall is the home of the first British truffle salami. Again, working with an artisan producer – this time Deli Farm Charcuterie, we’ve created a wonderful truffly addition to your posh picnic . The delicate flavours include garlic and coriander although they are delicate enough to allow the flavour of the black winter truffle through. The salami can be used as part of a salad or served with fresh bread, but make sure to remember to bring your knife!

 

3. Truffle Scotch Egg

Many people want to create their own picnic foods and one option is to make your own truffled scotch eggs and truffle quiche. These are dishes that many enthusiastic chefs are familiar with already and adding a luxury ingredient such as fresh truffle can help you to create a picnic dish with a difference. By varying other ingredients you can create dishes to suit your own tastes. It is so easy for consumers to buy fresh truffle now that the hint of luxury you need for your posh picnic is readily available at an affordable price and practical quantities for the home chef.

 

4. Cream of cucumber soup with truffle shavings

For those of us who are used to a very basic picnic, soup would not normally be on the menu, but chilled soup is considered to be an ideal addition to the gourmet picnic basket and there are plenty of varieties that can be enhanced with fresh truffle or truffle oil. Why not try a chilled cream of corn soup that has been flavoured with truffle oil? Alternatively a cream of cucumber soup with truffle should prove to be light and refreshing and ideal for an elegant summer picnic. If you want to buy fresh truffle to add to your picnic then shavings of the delicacy can be used as a garnish on the soup.

 

5. Lobster, Avacado and Truffle Salad

A salad is another good option for a posh picnic and does not have to be limited to the traditional standby of lettuce and tomatoes. Why not try a lobster and avocado salad flavoured with summer black truffle? The fresh truffle can be used mixed with the lobster meat and avocado as well as a garnish for the finished dish. Salad options are endless and fresh truffle can simply be used as a garnish for additional flavour, or used to create a salad dressing with a difference.

 

6. Truffled Camembert

Continental cheeses are perfect for a summer picnic and black truffle can be used to infuse the cheese with other delicate flavours. Camembert, for example, can be sliced into 2 or 3 layers and black truffle can be added between the layers. This should then be left for a few days before serving to allow the cheese to absorb the flavour of the truffle. This is ideal for picnics as it can be prepared in advance and gives a whole new dimension to cheese and crackers! Cheese can be served as a starter, as part of a main course or as a dessert so is one of the most versatile options for your picnic basket.

 

7. Pimms

When you are planning a posh picnic you can’t forget the drinks. A bottle of lemonade is just not good enough when placed next to the truffle-inspired gourmet dishes, so ensure that the drinks you opt for fit the occasion. The traditional drink for Wimbledon is obviously Pimms, so this should be a must-have for any picnic basket. Don’t forget to take a fresh mint leaves, cucumber, orange, strawberry and ice cubes in a cool bag and lemonade or cranberry juice for mixing.

 

8. Champers

For the ultimate in posh, champagne should be on the list. This can be served as it is (preferably chilled!) or mixed with orange juice to create a Bucks Fizz or adding a few drops of Sirop de Rose to create a different flavour, ideal if your budget does not stretch to a top quality champagne.

 

9. Fizzy sans alcohol

For a non-alcoholic option an organic sparkling grape or elderflower presse is perfect. The flavours are not too strong and will not detract from the elegant dishes chosen for your picnic.

 

10. Picnic Basket

No matter how posh the food at your picnic, don’t forget to transport it in style. Cool bags are handy but they do not look as elegant as the traditional picnic basket. These usually come with good quality crockery which is perfect when you are serving luxury dishes. There are times when disposable plates are just not up to the job! Whether you are taking your picnic to Wimbledon or indulging closer to home, you deserve to feel spoiled, so opt for the very best. That includes your rugs, pillows and tables to make youself an amazing outdoor lounge, where-ever you are!

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