Truffles, the umami-rich underground fungi, are especially pungent this time of year. Here's what to look for and where to find them in North Jersey.

Lota prepared two very distinctive dishes for readers that feature black truffles.

Mince 1 garlic clove ... Add 1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon truffle oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and blend until you have a creamy and smooth paste.

Beyond North Jersey, there’s a homemade tortellini with a minced black truffle sauce at De Floret in Lambertville and T54 (also in Lambertville) has a local New York strip topped with gorgonzola ...