To purchase Truffles: Not only do truffles need to be ripe to develop the strongest odors, but they need to be fresh. Make sure that the black or white truffles you are buying are fresh. Look for mature truffles that are firm with a slight give, not spongy or slimy. If they feel soft or have soft spots, they are starting to decay. They get slimy and smelly when old. If you can see the interior, white truffles should have a light brown marbling on the inside; black truffles will have charcoal-gray marbling.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Brush bread with melted butter and cut out approximately twenty (20) 1 1/2- to 2-inch circles with round cookie cutter; arrange buttered sides up, on a large baking sheet.
Bake in middle of oven approximately 7 to 10 minutes or until pale golden. Remove from oven and cool completely. NOTE: Baked toasts may be made 1 day ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
To prepare canapes: Place thin slices of pate on each toast round. Top with creme fraiche or sour cream and truffle shavings.
NOTE: You always want to maximize the truffle flavor by using the least amount of the ingredient as possible. So always slice into paper-thin wedges or strips. Use a truffle shaver (similar to a cheese grater) when shaving truffles (see photo on right).
Cover with plastic wrap until ready to serve, but do not let sit too long as bread toasts will become soft.
Makes 20 canapes.
Black Truffle Canape Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/appetizers/trufflecanape.htm