TRUFFLES

It’s that time of year when ‘black diamonds’ are at their best. Here are three ways to enjoy them

1 At their peak in October, the Burgundy truffle is the only one found in the UK in autumn. They tend to be fresher and more moist than imported varietals and are best employed as raw shavings over pasta, egg or potatoes. Hunt with trained dogs in a Dorset woodland with the English Truffle Company, then sample your bounty over lunch. £150. englishtruffles.co.uk

2 Chef James Durrant of The Game Bird says, ‘To make four truffle chicken Kievs, allow 500g of butter to soften while sweating a diced shallot and five finely chopped garlic cloves. Add 100g grated truffle (or truffle paste) to the butter and transfer to a piping bag. Make an incision in each breast, fill, then refrigerate for two hours. Next, roll the breasts in flour followed by egg, then breadcrumbs. Fry till golden and move to a 180C oven for 20 minutes.’ thestaffordlondon.com

3 Tyrells black truffle and sea salt crisps have a delicious, authentic flavour (150g, £2.19). For a range of truffle condiments, try Truffle Hunter. We rate the truffle mayonnaise (180g, £9.95) and white truffle oil (100ml, £12.95). sainsburys.com trufflehunter.co.uk