A favorite of many a classic cookbook is the classic recipe for the black truffle. But what is truly special about this rich, luxurious seasoning? Does it come from the earth, or is it artificial? What type of black pepper is used? These are just some of the many questions that come to mind when thinking about this delectable treat.

When roasted, black truffles have a texture similar to that of nutty caramel. Roasting potatoes first removes the fiber and starch, then coats them in olive oil and season with Italian Black Truffle Sea Salt. After you slice your potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces, roast them in olive oil and sprinkle with Caravel Gourmet' Italian Black Truffle Sea Salt prior to roasting them in 350F for approximately 45 minutes. Or, you may roast them on a hot plate until they are almost dry. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool.

Italian Black Truffle Sea Salt is rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, manganese, and sodium. It has a low smoke point and a high heat index, which explains why it goes well with sauteed mushrooms. You can make delicious hors oeuvres using truffle salt and olive oil. You could also top baked sweet potatoes with a dusting of this sea salt and freshly grated cheeses to enhance the flavor. If you haven't tried it, you're missing out!

Most people love to pair truffle salt with sunny, earthy foods like salads and vegetable dishes. You can start by sprinkling the seasoning onto the salad and toss it on as a salad dressing. Add a few pieces of crisp celery stalks to accompany the salad. For side dishes, you may serve chopped radishes or summer squash. The important thing is that this light seasoning compliments many different foods and does not take away from any flavors.

An easy way to incorporate truffle into your meals is to create a pate. In order to make a perfect pate, simply buy a piece of smoked salmon and cut off its belly and fins. Don't forget to sprinkle black truffle sea salt onto it. Place the salmon on a cutting board and slice it into uniform 2-inch pieces. Brush the inside of each piece with olive oil, season with lemon juice, and bake it in the oven until it is done.

Another great way to incorporate truffles into your diet is in the form of popcorn. You can prepare popcorn using either unsalted semi-salted or seasoned popcorn. It's a great way to incorporate another great ingredient into your diet, nutritious sea salt! If you're watching your cholesterol levels, be sure to use unsalted popcorn and keep your daily serving size at one gram of salt.

There are several great pasta dishes that use mushrooms in them and when I'm making pasta for myself, I always use the dried mushrooms. When preparing these dishes, remember to mix about half a teaspoon of dried sage leaves with one-half cup of water. When making a sauce, be sure to only use sage leaves and not fresh. This mixture will give the pasta dish a unique flavor.

There are a number of ways to season your pasta dishes including tomato sauce, butter, milk, cheese, etc. Most recipes call for olive oil. This is an excellent choice but many times it's also hard to find. A great alternative is a brand of black truffle salt that you can find in just about any grocery store. It's a great addition to your already overflowing table.