SERVES 6

The two most highly prized truffles, the black and white, are found, respectively, in France and Italy. This is our adaptation of three-star chef Georges Blanc's classic dish.

10 medium-size potatoes, peeled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 onions, thinly sliced
2 tsp. sugar
1⁄2 cup truffle shavings, chopped

1. Parboil potatoes for 10 minutes. Drain and place on paper towels to cool and dry. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

2. Melt 2 tbsp. of the butter with oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown whole potatoes on all sides, turning often, until uniformly colored. Remove from pan and keep warm in a low oven.

3. Melt another 2 tbsp. butter in the same skillet. Add onions, sugar, and salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften.

4. In a small bowl, combine truffles and remaining 4 tbsp. butter. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.

5. Cut potatoes into 1⁄4" rounds and arrange decoratively on plates with a bit of onion mixture in the center and a walnut-size dollop of truffle butter on top.