Sottocenere Al Tartufo

My two friends' parents have a Christmas party every year, and every year the food is outstanding. I inevitably end up eating something that I cannot believe I have lived this long without. Luckily, this year's obsession, sottocenere al tartufo - an Italian cheese studded with truffles, is easily obtainable so I am able to get my fix without going to great lengths.

Sottocenere translates to under ash while al tartufo means with truffles. The semi-soft cheese is made from cow's milk and contains tiny pieces of black truffles. It is aged in an ash rind (a tradition in the Venetian region) that has been rubbed with truffle oil and a mixture of spices such as coriander, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The result is a mild cheese with an earthy flavor and subtle hints of spice.

Sottocenere al tartufo with crispbread

At the Christmas party, caught feeding cheese to my sister