The Jewel Of the Perigord.

The Truffle Festival organized by Sarlat and the Groupement des Trufficulteurs du Perigord Noir has become a beloved tradition over the past decade, captivating the hearts and taste buds of all who attend. The festivities are still underway and will continue until this evening, offering ample time for visitors to partake in the experiences on offer. In addition to savoring the exquisite truffles, attendees have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of engaging activities. Among these, one highlight is the captivating demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs, who share their unparalleled expertise on the art of preparing, cooking, and indulging in truffles, providing a unique culinary experience that is sure to delight all the senses.

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Many years ago you would observe truffle pigs but now it is mostly truffle dogs who find these black jewels in the forest of the Perigord Noir. This shift from pigs to dogs as truffle hunters reflects the evolving methods of truffle harvesting in the region. While truffle pigs have traditionally been used for hunting these prized fungi due to their natural ability to sniff them out, concerns about the pigs damaging the truffle-producing ecosystems led to a shift towards using specially trained dogs. These dogs have become indispensable for truffle hunters, as their keen sense of smell and agility make them ideal for locating truffles without disturbing the delicate underground environment where these culinary delicacies grow.

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The chilly weather of minus seven degrees failed to deter the hundreds of enthusiastic people from attending the festival. Despite the frosty temperatures, they gathered to marvel at the diverse array of truffles on display. From small ones to large ones, with a variety of prices ranging from approximately 800 euros to 1000 euros per kilo, there was something for every truffle aficionado. Among the crowd, I noticed a woman purchasing six sizable truffles, likely destined for the local restaurants.

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When you step beneath the sheltering awning, the first sensory encounter is undeniably the alluring aroma of truffles permeating the air. It is a heady experience, reminiscent of the rich, earthy scent of damp forest undergrowth, with subtle undertones of cocoa adding an intriguing depth.

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There are also many stalls selling truffle eggs or truffle scramble eggs, cakes made with truffles, biscuits and many more. Above is truffle chocolate mousse which tastes gorgeous. I think that the little dog liked the aroma but defiantly not for pets.

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I just had to buy a couple.

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Melt in your mouth macaroons that taste delicious. Plus our truffle purchase that we have placed in the fridge along with a few eggs to permientate the egg shell for a delicious omelette tomorrow.

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Event:- Game Festival in Sarlat on the 17^th and 18^th February at the Cultural centre.

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Château de Biron.

The Château de Biron, located about 7km from Monpazier, is a truly magnificent sight to behold. As the largest of all the Châteaux in the Perigord region, it is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area. Visitors should be prepared for the slightly challenging approach to the Château, as the path from the car park involves a rather steep slope. However, don’t be discouraged, as there is an alternative route that entails only a few steps from the side of the Château, which we found to be much more manageable. This breathtaking historical site promises not only stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings, but also a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a traveler seeking remarkable experiences, the Château de Biron is sure to captivate and inspire all who venture to visit.

Through the Summer months you can have archery lessons in the grounds of the Château.

Built around the 11th century to command the northern approaches to the Agenais, the Château has a rich and fascinating history that has shaped the region for centuries. In 1189, Gontaut-Biron, ancestor of Lord Biron, and his descendants held the Château for twenty four generations, leaving an indelible mark on its legacy. The Château itself spans a wide timeframe, with structures dating from the 12th century to the 17th century, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of architectural styles and historical narratives. The upper courtyard, enveloped by noble dwellings, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past, while the presence of a chapel further enriches the site’s cultural and religious significance. Divided into separate sections for nobles and villagers, the chapel embodies the complex social dynamics of the time, providing a captivating insight into the lives of the people who once called this place home. Whether exploring the grandeur of noble dwellings or delving into the spiritual undercurrents of the chapel, visitors are sure to find a wealth of captivating sights and stories awaiting them at this remarkable Château.

Looking up towards the bedrooms and gallery of the Château.
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This has to be one of my favourite rooms, the dinning room with its stone carved fireplace. There are also tapestries and costumes on display.
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In another room are more costumes from the various periods of the Château. Love the slashes on this garment revealing the bright red under garment.
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Celebration of the season.
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Medieval games were displayed on this amazing floor.
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Biron.
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Summer activities at Biron are :-
Gourmet Night every Thursday Eve
Armoury Demonstrations
Sword Demonstrations.
Tours every day.
Musical Evenings
Art Exhibitions.

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Up and Coming Event in the area:-
Truffle Festival Sarlat, 20^th and 21^st January

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Sarlat Truffle Festival 2023

Black Perigord truffles are a real luxury and are considered the jewels of France, so we were not put off by the extreme cold last Saturday morning, we just had to go and see the annual Sarlat Truffle festival celebrating the winter truffle season.

Through history the truffle has been used in Greek and Roman cooking, over the centuries they have maintained their mystique to become an integral part of French cuisine. Today, the most valuable truffles are to be found in the Perigord, the winter black truffle, or as is it commonly known, ‘black diamond’ due to its high price and rarity.

A magnificent display of truffles covering three rows of trestle tables, to be bought by locals and restaurants from all over France.

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As you walk around the many vendors proudly displaying their truffles you are met with a delicious aroma, that you only get with the Truffle.

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On these gold plates were category one truffles, the most expensive at one thousand euro per kilogram.

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We did by one tiny truffle, about a dessert spoonful size, plus the most delicious truffle macaroons.

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You can cook with truffle in many ways; with chicken, duck, eggs, potatoes, rice, pasta, grated to make truffle butter, put into or onto sauces, even ice cream. One particular sauce is known as the King of sauce and is the pinnacle of gastronomic pedigree and haute cuisine; sauce Perigueux, which incorporates truffle, Madera wine and cognac.

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Sweet Potato Soup.

The sweet potato is a staple of the Caribbean and American cooking, it is very versatile for it can be roasted, baked mashed and curried. High in fibre, it also contains vitamins A,C and E.

So with the above in mind here is a delicious heart warming soup for a cold Winters Day.

Serves 4 people

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

600g sweet potato, peeled and chopped

1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped

1 litre vegetable stock

140ml coconut milk

1 tbsp coriander

1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the onion until soft. Stir in the sweet potato, pepper and coriander.

2 Pour in the stock and bring to the boil, then simmer for about twenty minutes until the potato and pepper are softened.

3 Blitz, in a liquidiser in batches, then return to the pan. Add the coconut milk, heat once more and serve.

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Event:– 14 and 15^th January, Truffle Festival in Sarlat.

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Laissez vous Tenter.

Sarlat Truffle Festival 2019

They say the woods around Daglan
grow secrets in the ground,
and the Perigord Noir hide the rarest
of truffles to be found.

The truffle may be ugly,
found by pig or dog,
but everyone agrees
its flavour is to savor.

Hundreds of people were tightly packed around a marquee full of truffles in the Medieval Quarter of Sarlat last Saturday morning. After waiting a few minutes a loud sigh was heard from the gathered crowed as the side panels were removed from the marquee and each person breathed the amazing truffle aroma emanating from within.

And this is what it was for, Perigord Black Gold of every size and every price.
 

A close up. The truffles in the basket on the left were grade 1 priced at €900 per kilo.
 

There were also stalls selling delicious Street Food and with demonstrations of truffle based cuisine from Master Chefs.
 

We are very predictable, we looked for the truffle macaroons. Which are delicious. Just had to buy four, for testing purposes of course.
 

A first for us, truffle cheese. Which is rich and creamy with the distinctive flavour of truffle, I can highly recommend it.
 
 

Don’t miss Daglan’s Truffle Market which is open until February.