Truffles, the wild sort, are mysterious creatures. They live underground. They look like small, dusty potatoes. And they're tight with certain trees.
It's a guest/host relationship: The oak or hazel roots provide the fine fungus filaments with energy. In return, the mushrooms offer important nutrients — like phosphorus and nitrogen — to the tree. Obviously, good friends.
Truffles, the domestic sort, are also mysterious creatures. They are best kept under dark, cool conditions. They look like small, dusty potatoes. And they're tight with certain individuals.
It’s a guest/host relationship: Cocoa-covered enthusiasts hand roll the truffles. In return, the truffles provide them energy. Truffles offer up important nutrients — like chocolate and butter. Obviously, good friends.
While wild truffles are rare — they can only be unearthed by the trained pig, dog or mycologist — tame truffles are easy to come by. And because chocolate truffles are meltingly delicious and universally welcome, they can make anyone an outstanding guest or host.
Food styling: Joan Moravek. Photo: Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune.