The mysteries of a natural gourmet treasure--truffles are the naturally growing, fragrant and prized fungus of European forests. In this gorgeous book, truffle importer Annemie Dedulle, known as "Ms. Truffle," and culinary author Toni de Coninck reveal the most intimate secrets of these elusive delicacies that fetch exorbitant prices.

Truffles features lush color photographs of the Hungarian and Italian countryside where truffles grow and the hunters, chefs and connoisseurs (and dogs) whose lives revolve around them.

The book covers such topics as:

• What is a truffle?
• The history of truffles
• Types of truffles
• Products featuring truffles
• Hunting for truffles
• What to look for when purchasing truffles
• Truffles and wine
• Map of Europe showing where truffles are found.

A book on truffles would not be complete, however, if it did not provide recipes. The authors and the chefs of three renowned European restaurants share such delectable recipes as:

• Omelet with black and white truffles
• Truffle salad
• Sole with black truffle
• Fresh truffle risotto.

Truffles is a loving celebration of the coveted truffle -- an essential choice for chefs, gourmet shops, cooking schools and foodies everywhere.

Since 2000 Annemie Dedulle has run a business harvesting and selling truffles to top restaurants in Belgium, the Netherlands and France.

Toni de Coninck is head editor of UIT-magazine, a Dutch lifestyle publication, and the author of several gastronomy books.