Masterclasses offer in-depth explorations of food and drink topics, presented by experts and accompanied by demonstrations and tastings.
Truffles are among the most coveted ingredients in the culinary world — revered for centuries in the great kitchens of France and Italy, and prized as much for their rarity as for their heady, unmistakable aroma. Found only in specific climates, growing wild underground alongside the roots of oak, hazelnut and other trees, they can only be located with the help of specially trained dogs working by scent alone. Nearly impossible to cultivate and available for only a few weeks each year, that scarcity is a big part of the mystique.
Join truffle hunter and forager Hajira Ahmad of Black Gold Experiences for a delicious foray into the complex world of truffles — part presentation, part demonstration, part indulgent truffle feast. Hajira's passion for truffles was sparked on countless trips to Italy, and eventually led her to train her beloved dog Angelo to hunt them alongside her across the UK and Italy. She'll walk guests through how truffles are unearthed from the forest floor, the different types found across Italy's truffle regions, and what sets a real truffle product apart from the artificial "truffle flavouring" found on most grocery shelves.
There will be a presentation diving into the history, culture and process of truffle foraging, as well as live demonstration on how to make an exquisite truffle pizza. You will enjoy an elegant selection of truffle canapés showcasing Hajira's line of premium Italian truffle products — made in small batches using traditional artisan methods, with a truffle content of 6–10% black truffle and 2–5% white truffle (well above the 1–2% typical of most commercial truffle goods, and without any artificial truffle flavouring), finished with fresh Autumn truffles (Tuber uncinatum) Hajira foraged herself in Italy.
Trio of Truffle Canapés
White truffle & porcini mushroom crème in crisp savoury cases, artichoke & black truffle crostini, and Italian triple brie with truffle honey on olive oil sfoglie crackers.
Truffle Pizza Demo
Hajira will walk guests through her own recipe for a truffle & wild mushroom pizza bianca, finished with shavings of fresh Autumn truffle — a simple technique that shows just how easily truffles can elevate an everyday dish. While the pizzas bake, she will guide you through a video presentation and Q&A on truffles, truffle hunting and truffle products follows, before the pizza is served family-style alongside a simple green salad.
Dessert
We'll end with a luscious dish of whipped ricotta with figs and truffle honey.
At the close of the event, guests will have the chance to purchase Hajira's truffle products at an exclusive discount — as well as the option to pick up fresh truffles that will be available for pre-order the week before the event.
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Hajira Ahmad is a mother, truffle-hunter, photographer, event planner & chef is based in London. After training her beloved Dog Angelo to hunt for truffles, Hajira launched Black Gold Experiences and now offers a range of premium truffle products in additional to inspired supper clubs, corporate events, and bespoke culinary tours.
@blackgoldexperiences | blackgoldexperiences.com
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Every week, The Depanneur invites TO’s best culinary talents to lead fun, hands-on workshops.@thedepanneur
