Three Gourmet Appetizers for Your Next Special Occasion
Fresh live oysters can be cooked, of course, but most oyster connoisseurs wouldn’t hear of it. Instead they’d argue that the best way to enjoy an oyster is raw, on a half shell, with some citrus or mignonette sauce. Opening an oyster is easy once you get the hang of it. Oyster Recipes
Caviar can be combined with cream cheese on a blintz, cracker, or toast point for a quick, easy, and luxurious appetizer. Sevruga caviar and Osetra caviar are considered two of the best sturgeon varieties. Alternatively, caviar & roes can be used to top salads or sushi.
Fresh Truffles aren’t an appetizer in themselves, but can be shaved over appetizer portions of quiche, pizza, or risotto. Black truffles can be lightly cooked, while white truffles should only be shaved over finished (still hot) dishes. Alba truffles are considered the world’s finest white truffles, while Perigord truffles are commonly believed to be the best black truffles. Truffle Recipes
I’d definitely choose caviar. Why? Because I’m Russian and haven’t had Servuga Caviar in ages.
I’d make crepes and serve them with sour cream and caviar.
Thanks!
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:25 pmOysters!!! I am addicted to fresh raw oysters. I’d probably eat some raw with truffle salt, and grill some. Oh, and I’d share them with my husband of course!
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 pmI’ll go with Caviar, I’ve had this in a French restaurant and loved it. Also it’s the most expensive stuff, so if I win this it would be so cool:)
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:32 pmTough call, but I’d go with the caviar, because my husband and I love it. As for the person who sent me this way, it would be Katie from http://knifeforkandspoon.com/.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:34 pmI would choose the White Truffle because I have always wanted to make a good Truffle dish!!! Good luck everyone…
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:36 pmTruffles because I have never had them before! I’ve had caviar and oysters – but boy do I want to try truffles! I would bestow a gift on my Uncle Gary.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:03 pmWanna try the truffles. I’ve never had them and am told they are great!
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:29 pmWho you will also bestow a choice upon: My brother Derek
truffles! i’ve never tried them and earthy is good
i’d bestow my aunt, who does crazy things in the kitchen!
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pmI think I would choose the truffles, because I have a good source for caviar and oysters nearby, but no truffles available.
And I’d certainly choose my mother in law, Lydia, to get the prize. I have a hunch, being Russian, she’ll go for the caviar.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:44 pmI would love some Sevruga caviar or White truffles!
I am not choosy.
I always buy the salmon roe in place of good caviar in recipes and I use truffle oil instead of the real deal, so either one I would be thrilled!
Thank you!
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:06 pmFor sure the oysters….because I haven’t had a good oyster since I was in London….
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 pmThe truffle, the truffle, the truffle! To make chicken in half-mourning for Christmas dinner! And my son, another truffle nut will surely choose truffles, too! Oh, my, I am so excited….
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:54 pmWhite Alba truffles, hands down, because I’ll make a risotto out of it!
I’d share it with Vera Devera (http://mytenthousandwedding.blogspot.com/) so that if she wins she can cook for me
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:23 pmBeing,that I have not tasted a truffle,caviar or oyster. Plain or in a recipe,I’m going with the truffles. I have had mushroom before,But never Italian.I love mushroom to the point of having a mushroom sandwich.There is not mush in Italy that I don’t like.Debbie is the first name of the one that told me about this contest.It will be interesting to see what she picks.sue
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:49 pmhmmm, that is a hard choice, as we love oysters and truffles. Since we live by Tomales Bay, oyster heaven, I would have to pick a truffle. Even though those oysters would make for a great party. Hmmmm, what to pick!? s
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:25 pmAll great choices! I believe that I would choose the truffles because I have a recipe for a mighty fine white cheddar truffle egg dish that I would love to make for Christmas. Then I would definitely bestow upon my father in law the oysters because 1) he loves them, 2) so do I, and 3) I know he would share them with me!
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:30 pmI pick the truffles. A heady flavor and a “stealth” ingredient depending on how you use it. So many people will love the taste, despite not knowing what they are tasting until it’s too late.
My girlfriend, Galya (at eatloveandtrain.com) is who I choose. She’s Bulgarian and a caviar lover. I hope she picks the caviar, though! I picked the truffles.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:31 pmSevruga Caviar for my husband because he was brought up in poverty and has never had the opportunity to try it.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:08 pmMost importantly is that caviar is wonderful and so is he. He deserves to have the best of the best, now.
I’d LOVE the oysters. I’m sure they’d be amazing, I’d serve them at a small holiday party with my favorite foodies, having vodka and champagne. I would bestow my choice on my foodie sister, Joyce.
December 4th, 2009 at 3:07 amEeny, meeny, miny, moe…Which luxury specialty item would I choose? It would have to be the salty, sexy Sevruga caviar. It’s my favorite delicacy. Served with a glass of champagne this is my idea of effortless elegance during the holidays.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:28 amOh I would swoon over white truffles! I’ve always wanted to learn how to prepare something delicious with them. I would share the glory with my husband who would enjoy the caviar for sure.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:20 amMatt,
Thank you for the email and invite. I can’t wait to explore your website.
I’d probably choose the truffles and make a simple, yet elegant, pasta dish with shaved white truffles, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and prosciutto. Although, the oysters would come in close second because that would make my husband happy….well, so would the truffles.
I was told about this contest by you, but, I would bestow a choice upon my father, Robert. I would love for him to rekindle his desire in cooking again.
Thanks again!
December 4th, 2009 at 11:57 amThanks for the head’s up on this contest! It’s a very difficult decision but I think I would choose the caviar. Why? because the last and only time I’ve ever eaten real caviar was at the french laundry a year and 1/2 ago. I’d die to try and recreate that dish at home.
i’d like to bestow it upon you (since you told me about the contest) but my guess is you can get some of it at a discounted price. i’d prob. bestow it upon my husband who finally, after years of busting his butt, just got a raise! we need to celebrate!
December 4th, 2009 at 12:10 pmI would really love to have some fresh oysters to serve this holiday season. We all love them so much and they make an excellent and elegant appetizer.
I would love to share this with my fellow blogger Mary from oneperfectbite. She has a great blog and I would love to see what she could come up with.
December 4th, 2009 at 12:23 pmcaviar and truffles and if I win I would bestow a gift to my friend Stacey
December 4th, 2009 at 12:30 pmOh how I’d love those white truffles, having been to the place in Piedmont, Italy where they hold the white truffle auction every year, but never being able to partake. This would be a real treat. But those oysters are a real favorite too, so I would bestow them on my husband, who would also appreciate them.
December 4th, 2009 at 1:07 pmI’d love to try the truffles.
As for a gift to bestow, I would love to give my mother-in-law the caviar. She would work wonders with it.
December 4th, 2009 at 2:02 pmI’d choose truffles because I have never had fresh truffles. And then I would choose to bestow a choice upon my mother, who I think would choose the caviar.
Thanks for the contests!
December 4th, 2009 at 2:22 pm1) White Truffles – I’ve only eaten truffles in restaurants. It’s just not something that I think about buying it. But if I win, I would love to try making a dish with it.
2)Rachel, my foodie friend!
December 4th, 2009 at 9:00 pmI would love the caviar. There is nothing like a long lazy afternoon, a glass of wine, and caviar. Being eastern European, most of my childhood caviar was something we got from Russia, and looked forward to for the holidays.
I choose my wonderful boyfriend Roland to share it with me.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:14 pmAaah, tartufo bianco, how I miss thee? I long for those chill November evenings in Piemonte when the only thing that would truly bestill my frozen bones was a bottle of Barbaresco and some thinly shaven truffle hunted by my trifolau amico. I would typically serve it over some handmade agnolotti del plin, but save a tiny nub for morning to slice over a collazione of tiny quail eggs- aaah the life.
I really oscillate with this one- obviously I intensely miss the truffles, but I’m going to have to beseech you to reward me with the 1oz of Sevruga, should you find me worthy of victory. You see, every Christmas morning I serve a dish of potato “tagliolini”- basically mandolined shoestring potatoes in a creme fraiche sauce (I make the creme fraiche from scratch for improved delicacy in taste)topped with a scantily clad slather of sexy Sevruga. It is to die for and I am sooo excited to blog about it this year. It would be lovely to incorporate your Sevruga into the mix- I can see it now…
I would bestow the sister gift upon my dear friends Demetrio and Gina (in real life and in the blogosphere), who are in a similar predicament as me in that we all reside in Seattle currently but long for the days when we used to galavant around Torino together without a care in the world except where the next glass of Roero Superiore might manifest and if perhaps the cameriere might take a heavy hand when shaving the truffle over the tajarin. (I’m hoping they’ll select the truffle and invite me to dine).
December 5th, 2009 at 1:45 amCaviar. Because a you know a new year starting with caviar is going to be a good one! And of course I’d give my my wife the other choice!
December 5th, 2009 at 1:23 pmTruffles! I’ve never tried cooking with truffles and never really tried them. Sure, I’ve had truffle oil, but not big, wonderful truffles. Plus everyone on TV has them and I want them too! I would definitely try the recipe below, truffled risotto.
Elyssa K tweeted the contest!
December 5th, 2009 at 4:46 pmI would definitely go for the truffles! I’ve been dying to get my hands on some of these beauties! One of the best dishes I’ve ever had was a truffle mac and cheese and I would LOVE to recreate it at home!
A fellow food blogger, Elyssa K, tweeted about this wonderful contest!
December 5th, 2009 at 5:31 pm1)I would love to have some roasted oysters! They would be great for the cold weather!
December 5th, 2009 at 7:41 pm2)Olga from MangoTomato let me know!
I would love to select caviar, there is no New Year celebration without it! and definitely have to share with my parents!
December 5th, 2009 at 10:34 pmNothing like fresh homemade pasta with simple parm and truffles. mmm
December 5th, 2009 at 10:35 pmI would choose the Truffles. I’ve only had truffles one time and that was at the IPNC in McMinville, Oregon. Such an elegant dish, and I’d love to try to duplicate it. I can’t name anyone who told me about this contest, I found it on my own. But I would share this with my husband, Bob, of course!
December 6th, 2009 at 7:24 amI’d choose the oysters because my son loves and I them so much!
I would send my friend Amy from http://www.doobleh-vay.blogspot.com because she has a love for the finer things in life, too….especially when it comes to food!!!
December 6th, 2009 at 11:47 amThank you for visiting my blog!
Hands down, I would choose oysters and I would make my mom’s incredible scalloped oysters!
I would kindly give the oysters to the one huge oyster lover I know, my husband.
I was gladly sent here by my blog: http://www.pamsmidwestkitchenkorner.com/
Thanks!
December 7th, 2009 at 7:35 amPam
I would prefer caviar. A delightful treat for my boyfriend, Brian, who has traveled all over the world.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:16 amI would choose the oysters, because I could share a nice portion of six with 7 of my dearest friends, and have a portion myself as well. Just raw, on the halfshell, iced cold, with lemon and mignonette.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:25 pmI would want my friend Craig to have his choice
I would choose the truffles. I love truffles but can’t afford them and would love to have them to cook a great meal.
I would bestow this on my sister Yvonne who gave me the heads up about this contest. I know she would love them as well.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:46 pmTruffles. I can get cheap oysters in Seattle, and I like truffles better than caviar.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:46 pmI would take the Sevruga caviar because I have never tried it. I would bestow it upon my mother, who is a terrific cook and hostess for Christmas.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:47 pmi would have to choose the truffle, simply because of the three, i have not tried it yet. i would gift the other choice to my friend debbie, who is as adventurous in food as i am!
December 7th, 2009 at 1:48 pmI would give the oysters to my husband because….well….do I have to say? Well, let’s just say because he loves oysters, and I like him better after he eats oysters. LOL
December 7th, 2009 at 1:49 pmOysters… mostly because when I read it my mouth watered. I’m thinking “on the BBQ” even though it’s currently 15 degrees outside. Worth the cold!!
I’d want my son Kyle (who showed me this blog in the first place) to enjoy their briny goodness as well. Crud, I’d probably have to share with our friend Brian as well, because he’d never forgive me otherwise.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:54 pmTruffles. Most definately. Something I have always wanted to try!
December 7th, 2009 at 1:56 pmcompletely forgot to mention who I would also bestow a choice upon. That would be my friend Sue, who told me about this amazing website. Without her, I would still be in blissful ignorance concerning amazing foodstuffs!
Caviar,definitely, for my fiance. He’s been craving it, looking at it online, but right now we’re in a tight spot where the mere basics are a luxury. I’d love to suprise him with this gift!
December 7th, 2009 at 2:00 pmI’m gonna go with the caviar. Why? Because up until this point in my life I have believed caviar to be the most vile, disgusting food on the planet and that the ONLY reason people eat it is because it is expensive. I really feel it was some sick joke on some mega rich people way back in the day when a chef first served it in (Russia? France?). So, if this is the good stuff, then I can finally say A) I have had some of the best and it is still disgusting or B) I have had some of the best and I am elitist snob whom from this day forth will only eat the finest foods in life.
If I win, I would like my mother-in-law; Bev, to also win because my father-in-law is the pickiest eater on the face of the planet so she doesn’t buy any of these types of foods for herself (even though she loves them)…ever. So this would give her an excuse.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:07 pmoh dear. i’ve just hooked up with an old boyfriend from when i was 18 (he’s now a grandfather if that helps)…im hoping to spend new years with him. Oysters? might be too sexy. Truffles? Adore them, could shave them over pasta. Caviar? Fabulous, but perhaps too predictable for New year’s Eve.
Lord knows the truffles i done seen…i say Truffles!
Wish me luck! And send this news on to my friend Regina Schrambling who writes a food blog, at http://www.gastropoda.com
December 7th, 2009 at 2:15 pmI would have to go with the truffles, I’ve never had the pleasure of cooking with them and would love to give it a try. I’d have to let my cousin Nate pick something too, he loves too cook almost as much as me (plus he is 1/2 French)!
December 7th, 2009 at 2:15 pmI would choose the truffles because I love them so.
I would also bestow this choice on my brother in law who is always showing me up in the kitchen…
December 7th, 2009 at 2:18 pmI didn’t even have to think about it – truffles!! Reason: I’m 67, I’ve had oysters and caviar, but never tasted truffles. They’re on my bucket list. I’d have them with noodles and butter or cream (or both).
December 7th, 2009 at 2:22 pmI would certainly have to choose the truffles, first because I am vegan, but more importantly because I have never had a fresh truffle and I’d love to see how they compare to truffle salt/truffle oil.
I would bestow my choice upon my mother, who taught me how to cook from the start!
December 7th, 2009 at 2:22 pmI would definitely chose the truffles – my mouth is watering while thinking about how to incorperate them into a New Year’s Feast! I would share this gift with my step-mom, who is also a foodie.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:23 pmI’d like the caviar. Why? So I could get crackers, a bottle of Dom or Bollinger, and an excessively attractive female to I could pretend that I’m James Bond during the 007 days of Christmas marathon. I think caviar and champagne for dinner has to be the most wasteful and expensive way to diet and I want it!
I would like to give my dad the oysters so we could trade oysters for caviar.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:46 pmWould use the truffles as a means of proving that vegans are not just hemp seeds and cold tofu – we can still be decadent and indulgent. I would share these with my foodie friend Rachel.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:47 pmTruffles, because they’re irresistable. I’d give a choice to my fiancee, Ariel, too, of course.
December 7th, 2009 at 2:49 pmI would choose the truffle, because it is truly a precious and rare gift of nature. I love oysters, but they can be acquired easily here in the Pacific Northwest, and I do not care for caviar at all. No, truffles are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays and show those you love just how much you do love them by sharing the pungent fungus: shaved over poached eggs or an omelet for brunch, then shaved over a plate of pasta with butter for lunch, and then shaved again over seared scallops, halibut, or fillet mignon for dinner…….mmmmmm…a perfect day.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:06 pmOh, and I would bestow a choice upon my husband and fellow foodie: Bruce.
I would choose the caviar.It’s something that would be a taste of elegance not normally chosen on our budget. I would share it with Ben and Sean (my sons) this Holiday. I’m sure they would appreciate it.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:11 pmIt’s a toss between the caviar and the truffles…probably the caviar. It’s been a long time. I’d share with my friend Rubbee!
December 7th, 2009 at 3:12 pmI would choose Oysters because they are versatile enough that you can make many things with them. Raw, Rockerfeller, on the grill. They are one of my favorites and I rarely get a chance to have them. I would share with my daughter Erica as she loves to try new recipes.
December 7th, 2009 at 3:22 pmI think I would go with the oysters (although it’s a tough decision) Easier to share, and no need to make a decision on when to eat them… right away!
December 7th, 2009 at 3:26 pmwhoops forgot to mention my brother Manuel hooked me up with the link.
I would give the oysters to my fiance. He goes back to England every year for the Holidays to visit his family and they have special oysters on Christmas Eve. But he hasn’t been able to work for the last 6 months and we don’t have the cash to fly back. I would love to present this special holiday tradition to him in our new home together in Brooklyn with my family (*our* family).
Happy Holidays to all!
December 7th, 2009 at 4:05 pmI would love to win the oysters. They are one of my favorite delicacies. I love them fried. I have never bought them before and prepared them at home. I’ve only ordered them at a restaurant. So it would be a treat to learn how to prepare them at home. I also love oyster dressing and could make that as well with the oysters. Yummy!
December 7th, 2009 at 4:08 pmI would choose oysters.
December 7th, 2009 at 4:11 pmI live in Louisiana, and I shuck like the wind and make the best grilled oysters I have ever had. (if I do say so myself!)
I would give my mom, Pat, caviar ~ So that she could bundle up, watch Auntie Mame, and feel glamorous!
I would have to go with the Italian truffles! Why, because I have tasted both the caviar and oysters. I’ve yet to try truffles. I found out about this website from Le Cordon Bleu-Miami. So If I win go ahead and send some truffles to Chef Fraser, jfraser@miamiculinary.com
December 7th, 2009 at 4:16 pmI’d have to go with the truffles. Too many oysters for me, and I prefer the truffles over caviar, and too many things I can use the truffles for!
December 7th, 2009 at 4:27 pmTruffles!
December 7th, 2009 at 4:34 pmI am a leader of an environmentalist group so animal products would be hard to share (don’t tell anyone about my lust for oysters!). Wouldn’t it be great to get a bunch of these young leaders together and give them the treat of a truffle dinner! But it’s my dad, Glen, who would really know how to whip them up.
I’d have to pick oysters because my 80-year old mother, who first turned me on to raw oysters as a wee tot is coming for the holidays and she’d be stoked! Even better, she’d get to share them with my husband, who I converted into a fan of all things bivalve. It would be a shucking and slurping fest for the ages.
The second winner would have to be Carolyn at the Art of Random Willy-Nillyness.
December 7th, 2009 at 4:36 pmwould have to choose the Sevruga and serve it with pasta and a cream sauce made with fresh Uni. I would also bestow a choice upon Abe… Cause he’s a damn good chef and enjoys working with sexy ingredients.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:25 pmOysters! Two dozen rockefeller and two dozen on the half shell. I would pick my Mom, hoping she picks the truffle since she has my pasta maker at her house, I could make some pasta with truffle oil, shaved truffles and parmagiana reggiano.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:41 pmI would choose the truffles because I am a vegetarian, and do not eat oysters. I would love to try truffles, because although I have eaten truffle oil in various dishes, I have never consumed or cooked with truffles.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:41 pmOysters! I would eat them in their raw, briny salty glory. In my opinion, oysters are delicious all by themselves.
December 7th, 2009 at 5:41 pmI would bestow this choice upon my brother George, because I learned my love for food from him before there were blogs, rss feeds, twitters for restaurants, etc. Just me, my big brother, a frying pan and whatever we had in the fridge.
Oysters play a big part in my memories. I was pretty sick one year with hepatitis. On the day that my doctor called and said I was completely out of danger, I was in Chesapeake Bay. I stopped at a boat which featured fresh oysters and put away 45 fresh from the water.. Caviar may be more expensive, trufles more of a rarity, but oysters are my choice, hands down. Mort
December 7th, 2009 at 5:57 pmI would choose Caviar because it is a treat I have not yet experienced. I would give a second choice to Kent, the person we live with.
December 7th, 2009 at 6:20 pmI’d choose truffles because I have never had them before and I want to know what all the fuss is about. My friend Chris would love to win something, too. hehe.
December 7th, 2009 at 6:22 pmI’d choose the caviar, because it’s the only one I’ve never had any of before! (we is po’) Carolyn G. (http://theartofrandomwillynillyness.blogspot.com/)sent me!
Hmmm. I’m not sure why my comment didn’t show up. I hope this isn’t a duplicate. I’d choose the caviar, because I’ve never had any before. I’d give the second one to Carolyn G, the blogger I found out about it from!
December 7th, 2009 at 6:32 pmI just brought back from Rome 4 jars of truffles. I was told they aren’t nearly as good as the real thing. I’ve had the jarred variety in the past, and Mama Mia! Delicioso! I wonder if fresh truffles would be like dying and going to heaven? I tried to get 10 friends to go in on 4-8 ounces of fresh truffles with me, but they were wary of the cost, so I would choose the fresh ones if I won, and share them with my scaredy cat friends over freshly made (by me!) tagliatelle with a creamy sauce. Molto Buona!
December 7th, 2009 at 6:35 pmI would chose the truffles. The closest I have been able to come in using truffles is with the occasional drizzle of white truffle oil (which I adore). I would bestow a choice upon my son Michael who is beginning culinary school in January and although I have always tried to expose him to as many different things as possible, I have never had the opportunity to expose him to any of these wonderful morsels. My second choice would be the sevruga caviar because it’s something I have only been able to read about thus far. Thanks for this contest. It gives a girl a chance to dream…
December 7th, 2009 at 6:45 pmI’ve always wanted to try white truffle recipes, but never wanted to buy the truffles and I KNOW I LOVE THEM from eating them in recipes, so I’d choose the whtie truffles.. not that I don’t want the other items, they’re all delicious.
For the who, I was sent by Carolyn over at the Blog The Art of Willynillyness.
December 7th, 2009 at 6:57 pmI would love to win the Sevruga Caviar. While I love them all, I was just in Tasmania where we kayaked in the Stewart Bay area and pluck oysters off the rocks, cracked them open and ate at will. It will be hard to compete with that for some time. And, while I am torn between the Italian White Alba Truffle and Servuga Caviar, as its the holidays I think the Caviar will be a fantastic treat to share with my friends as we sip bubbly and toast to a fun holiday season and awesome New Year! Thanks Justin for passing along Marx Food website! Cheers, Stefani
Thanks Justin
December 7th, 2009 at 7:31 pmWow… I think I’d have to go with truffles, because oysters and caviar are each splendid perfect foods (or at least major ingredients) in their own rights. But truffles I can use in so many different ways: Risotto, of course, and a million different butter sauces – or simply shaved into scrambled eggs. And there is just nothing like the aroma of truffles when they’re slightly warmed. Nothing!
The foodie friend who turned me onto you guys? Chris (more if I win).
December 7th, 2009 at 7:54 pmI have never had the opportunity to have regular black truffles, much less white truffles – so that would be my choice. I’d try a dish I’d never been able to before, and share it with friends.
I’d share my prize with my friend Karen, who is also an appreciator of fine foods.
December 7th, 2009 at 8:43 pmMy guest and my wife were able to enjoy the Black Oregon Truffles that we purchased for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, but the Alba truffles would make a great accompaniment to the traditional duck dinner I will be cooking for my wife’s and my tenth year anniversary or first if you count our re-newel last year under the Huppah. I was a chef in a nice restaurant many years ago but I now teach at the University of Tampa. My wife has not had the chance to have ever tasted an Alba truffle, but I have been able to explain the perfume that these truffles have. I would like to give this gift to her because she has had to put up with the fact that I am now a teacher and cannot afford to give her such a luxury but more importantly the for fact that she is a two year survivor of cancer.
December 7th, 2009 at 9:08 pmMy wife LOVES oysters and these would make our New Year celebration perfect!
December 7th, 2009 at 9:16 pmHmm, all are great ingredients that can definitely impress a guest for the holidays. If I could though, I’d pick caviar. My father is quite old now, and with all his hard work the past few years raising me, I’d like to let him indulge a little. I’m leaving off to college, so this would be a great gift!
Also, if I had the pleasure to also give someone something, it would have to be my best friend and sister, Quynh. She’s definitely helped me out through the years, and with two kids…I wouldn’t mind watching them while she has a date with her husband over the holiday season.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:23 pmI’d choose the truffles. Because we’ve never cooked with them and would love the experience of using them in a variety of dishes.
I would bestow a choice on my father, he’ll be turning 80 next year and I know he will choose the oysters as he just loves them.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:30 pmOh, the white truffles are tempting – I have not yet tried that variety. But I think I’d have to go with the caviar. My mother and I used to occasionally buy a container of caviar and eat it together in secret bliss (because my father can not abide fishy things). We haven’t done that in years, and it would be a lovely treat to share with her. As for the oysters, I think I’d rather go to them than have them come to me.
My mother’s first name is Eleanor.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:19 amThe only pick for me would be the truffles – I already have oysters and caviar on my christmas menu for my friends (like mary) and family – so the truffle would be a nice addition
December 8th, 2009 at 3:54 amI would definitely choose the white truffles. Why? Because I have never had them before and anything grouped with caviar and oysters, well, they just have to be excellent.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:09 amI would make a simple risotto with truffle shavings and infuse some oil with them.
Mmmm…. I’d go for truffles. I love fungi, and as a fish vet I’ve seen a few too many diseased sturgeon to find their roe appetising. I’d bestow my friend Sarah with her choice though; Sarah is a huge gourmand and is currently running around NYC; she loves phoning and telling me of all the delicious treats she is eating and I am not.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:31 ami would go with caviar because i tried salmon roe and it was amazing, so i would like to try this caviar because it is a new one i haven’t tried yet. trying new foods can lead to a new self discovery!
December 8th, 2009 at 6:00 amI would choose caviar, so that, I could bring in the New Year in a special way—–indulgence.
I bestow my choice to Kyle.
December 8th, 2009 at 6:30 amI would have to go with the white truffles, because I’ve never really had an opportunity to cook with them at home.
December 8th, 2009 at 7:49 amIn any Italian cucina, porcini mushrooms are esteemed as the queen of fungi, but white truffles from Alba are the undisputed king. I’ve never had the real thing, but if I was so lucky I’d consult with Mario Batali and create the most memorable dinner of my life.
And I’d want to share with Lizanne, who aspires to ramble through the Piedmonte on the great truffle trail.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:12 amI’d go for the truffles because it would be something new to cook with. And, I’d gift caviar to my friend Kyle. He’s broke, in law school, lives in the middle of nowhere, and could probably go for something decadent after this semester. Here’s his website where he talks about food, law school, etc.: http://inretentis.com/
December 8th, 2009 at 8:22 amI would love to try the truffles. I had 3 years of French in high school, I minored in French in college, I’ve been to France a few times and heard about truffles for what seems like forever, now I’m getting old and I still haven’t tasted one. It would be so exciting to finally explore this taste sensation, please consider me. Oh, and my person to bestow a choice upon — that would have to be my husband who has put up with me for over 35 years, Nick! Thank you.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:30 amI would select white truffle.
They are a wonderous gift to originally the Italians and now to the rest of the world from the food GODS!
I would use them to make a white truffle risotto with Lucitelli Romano cheese. I would also take some of the trimmings and place those in a container of fine sea salt to make a truffle salt which then couold be used on popcorn or other items to add a unique touch and to really bring out the inner gourmet.
Fresh truffle could also be used to infuse some honey and then serve that with a nice pungent Gorgonzola blue cheese…the flavors are amazing together.
Lastly I would make pan seared scallops with a brandied truffle cream for my father (75)for one of his fish dishes on Christmas eve…we never know what to get him for Xmas, so a few yeaers ago my brother and I started to cook him a nice (many course) seafood dinner on Christmas eve and now it is the highlght of his holidays.
Everything is better with truffles!!!
I would also give a sample to my brother Frank who likes to cook.
December 8th, 2009 at 8:56 amI would definitely choose the WHITE ALBA TRUFFLE, as I would shredded it and cover my beef tenderloin with it right out of the oven! you cannot beat it! or wait, I would make mushroom risotto, finishing with shaved truffle or wait- I would take any noodle with butter and truffles! I do believe I would cover everything I can think of with it! Happy Holidays!
I bestow a choice upon Carl, since he introduced me to my favorite food!
December 8th, 2009 at 9:17 am1) White Truffles FOR SURE. I can count the number of times I have enjoyed this delicacy in restaurants, so I would love to have some in my own kitchen to experiment with!
December 8th, 2009 at 9:25 am2) I pick my friend Emiko who informed me about this contest and is the most fantastic food blogger / food photographer I know!
I would definetly have to go with the oysters. i am a Culinary Arts Student who just got back from Iraq last year. I love oysters so much. I grew up eating fresh oysters from the Cheasepeak Bay. I make anything from fried, stem, but i have to say i love them raw with a squeeze of lemon.
Thank You!
December 8th, 2009 at 10:34 amNo doubt about it, I want all three! But, since we have to choose one, I’d love the caviar.
I’m serving my caviar on Carrs crackers accompanied by sour cream and capers.
Grisel Diaz-Ors informed me about this contest and I’m glad she did. I’ll be sharing this with my friends Oren, Brett, Clint, Adriana, and Mary.
I love the blog! Keep up the great work.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:56 amTruffles! I’ve never had one and would love to try them.
December 8th, 2009 at 11:20 amI’d definitely choose truffles since we’ve never had fresh ones and have always wanted to. This would be a fabulous holiday treat!
For my second entry I’d give the choice to my best friend, and great fellow foodie Susan.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:30 pmI would choose the White Alba Truffles because I believe they are the best tasting food in the world. Great care is taken to harvest them and the Truffle farmers and their dogs treat them like new born babies! I would shave them fresh over a simple pasta or risotto so they are not competing for other flavors or aromas and pair them with a nice Piedmonte wine.
I would serve these to my husband John who planned our honeymoon around white truffle harvest time in Italy 17 years ago introducing them to me for the first time. We would have to make the truffle go along way so that we could share them with our truffle loving friends; Carl, Mike, Laura, Laura, Catherine and Bob.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:53 pmWhite truffles shaved into fresh ricotta then served with ladyfingers is what I would do with the truffles if I won.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:11 pmI would love to get caviar because I have never gotten the chance to try it & can think of numerous ways I would want to use it! I would use it at holiday gatherings to share with friends and family.
December 8th, 2009 at 1:37 pmWow, I would love to try Truffle oil, I have heard a great deal about it, but never tried it!
I would bestow on Pam my neighbor and fellow food blogger!
December 8th, 2009 at 2:06 pmi would get oysters without a doubt!
December 8th, 2009 at 2:42 pmoh i ment to say Carolyn was the one who sent me! I LOVE OYSTERS!
I’d love to win the White Truffle so I can stick it in my arborio rice so the wonderful smell and taste can penetrate the rice for when I make a delicious risotto!
December 8th, 2009 at 2:50 pmAnd if I’d win I would share it with my buddy Jeremy.
This one’s easy. I don’t like fish eggs. Ersters I can get elsewhere. But truffles . . . please! I’d share them with my son Jacob, whose culinary giftedness would do them justice.
December 8th, 2009 at 4:01 pmOh I would so use the truffles!! I can’t count how many times cooking where I say to myself “Oh, if only I had some truffles, they would go PERFECTLY in this dish!” They would definitely be used up in a number of ways!
December 8th, 2009 at 5:07 pm1) well i live in seattle, oysters all around….but i do love them. I would choose caviar because i’m a writer and make peanuts and haven’t had any since i lived in france because i can’t afford. and my fiance is spending christmas with me and i haven’t seen him in 5 months and all i’ve collected so far for food is an arsenal of washington state wines. good answer?
2) i would give the white tuffle to my French Canadian aunt who taught me how to cook. Though I would give it back to you since you told me about this, but i’m not sure that works. thanks for inviting me! this is a lovely blog
i see you have pates…my death row meal.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:41 pmI would chose the oysters. Why? Because I have either been prego or nursing far too long and have not been able to enjoy my very favorite, OYSTERS on the half shell!!! Pick me and make an Oklahoma Foodie very happy!!
December 8th, 2009 at 6:19 pmDefinitely the Italian White Alba Truffles. We were to go to Italy this past August but we could not go due to a medical condition that developed, nor will we be able to go in the future. One of the things we were to do near Abruzzo was to go on an actual truffle hunt so that we could finally get a taste of one prepared in a dish by the hotel. I would bestow it as well to my husband since he did the chivalrous thing and stayed with me at home. Poor fellow bought a black truffle as a consolation prize to us both. That pitiful thing smelled of babys milk and was rubbery… so was the truffle.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:34 pmTuffles! To remind me of the fabulous truffle pasta I had in Italy 2 years ago. I would shave some over fresh pasta and nestle some in a bag of rice to infuse the rice with the scent and flavor of the truffles.
December 9th, 2009 at 12:40 amGotta go with the truffles. I’ve only had little bits of them from stingy restaurants and I’d love to make a special dish with them….risotto probably with lots of butter and cream.
I’d bestow on my bro-in-law Joshua, who told me about this contest.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:39 amI’d have to go with the white truffle. Here in the Carolina Lowcountry we have an abundance of deliciously sweet & briny oysters, but truffles are not exactly local produce . . . yet! I’d use the wonderful local seafood to make an utterly decadent Seafood & White Truffle Risotto for my wife, Tabetha, who originally told me about Marx Foods. And if she wanted to choose the Sevruga caviar as her prize, we could have that for dessert!
December 9th, 2009 at 5:01 amI’d choose truffles! They add something glamourous to your meal. =)
Just what you’d want for a special day like christmas!
I’d bestow my boyfriend Masahiro.
December 9th, 2009 at 6:50 amIt would be the most romantic holiday dinner ever!<3
Truffles, for sure – to make a killer omelette with and ‘d share them with my brother Bobby – another foodie!
December 9th, 2009 at 6:52 ami would go with the truffles because i want to make them for my family at christmas especially for my grandmother, it could be her last christmas and she hasnt had truffles since she was a young girl. i just want to give her somthing great this christmas
December 9th, 2009 at 7:02 am-thanks
This is tough… I’d have to pick oysters, because they’re supposed to bring you good luck in the New Year. And truffles for my friend Natalie, who told me about this contest.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:43 amHello, I would love to win truffles!! I would find the perfect recipe and maske something very very yummy
Hope I win !!!
Thanks
December 9th, 2009 at 7:58 amMmmmm…caviar is an indulgence we don’t have often enough.
Kira will appreciate having her choice as well.
December 9th, 2009 at 9:07 amI choose the White Truffle. I was in Alba for a midnight truffle hunt a couple of years ago and will never forget the excitement in finding a few of these precious tubers. I’ll make a creamy cheese risotto and shave little pieces of truffle over the top. Yummmmm!
December 9th, 2009 at 12:08 pmA very difficult decision but I thin I would go with the caviar. I havent had it in years- I know precisely what I would do with it too!
Matt Holmes told me about the contest. If I could pick anyone of these for one of my friends, I would choose the caviar as well for my friend Dorothy who introduced me to caviar in the first place. (Many moons ago.)
December 9th, 2009 at 7:03 pmIf I were to win I would definitely choose caviar. I would dress up in my fanciest dress, make my husband wear his tux and celebrate life (with some buttered toast points and champagne), it is important to celebrate and it has been a while. I would share with my long lost pals from across the country ; )
December 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pmI would choose the truffles because I have never had truffles in my actual possession (only in dishes in restaurants) and would love to shave them over a delicious pasta dish I made!
I would also bestow a choice upon my fiancee, Lily, because she is deserves every luxury and loves food!
December 10th, 2009 at 2:58 pmI think I would have to choose CAVIER. I have not been as fortunate as most of the other bloggers who have had the opportunity to taste these earthly splendors. But I have always wondered what $100 or $200 tastes like in my mouth. It is a craving among the rich in which I may never be able to enjoy. And I would probably share with my dear wife Priscila who has been absolutely tremendous with our new son and believe she deserves to try an amazing flavor at least once. She is well worth it.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:37 pmI’m going to have to go with truffles on this one with caviar in a very close second. I love on an Island in the Atlantic so oysters are a dime a dozen (literally).
I would like very much for my lovely mum Rosie to enjoy some truffles as well.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:59 pmI would choose the oyster because it is the closest thing we have to being a completely natural food. Furthermore, oysters are the quintessential raw food, because cooking usually ruins their essence. I would gift my 88-year old father who loves them!
December 11th, 2009 at 8:46 amI would have to try the truffles because i never had them.I would share them with chuck.
December 11th, 2009 at 10:44 amThanks, Justin! Can’t wait to get the mail!
December 12th, 2009 at 2:13 pmI had truffled pasta in Florence 8 1/2 years ago at a little place on a side street. It was the first time I ever tasted truffles and I can’t even begin to decribe what that experiance was like. Nothing comes close to that flavor, that can be conveyed to another person. I just remember the melding of flavors of the truffles and the cheeses and the cream sauce over the pasta and oh, wow…
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:30 pmThanks for the advice on these apps! And thanks, Danielle for the plug.
December 27th, 2009 at 1:25 pm