Trumpet of Death Risotto!

A brown paper parcel containing a mysterious autumnal delight arrived at my door from France this week. Tied very simply with string and weighing very little, I opened it to find not a thing of great beauty but for what it lacked in looks, it certainly makes up for in it's earthy flavour.

Picked between August and November, Trompette de la mort or Trumpet of death mushrooms are so called because of the black, trumpet-shaped horns which emerge from the ground in clusters as if playing a fanfare from 'those' beneath the soil!

Perfectly edible but not to be confused with the Death Cap mushroom which is highly poisonous. Our mushrooms were picked by a well-practiced and knowledgable mycologist!

Also known as Black chanterelle or Horn of plenty, they are the perfect ingredient in October for a spooky Roast Pumpkin & Trompette de la Mort Risotto dressed with a little truffle oil.

Great to come home to when you've been out for hours on your broomstick!