A>> A kilo of truffles can cost up to Euro600. In 2005 the harvest was so bad black truffles cost Euro1000 a kilo.

A>> Last year a 1.51 kilo Italian white truffle was bought for Euro125,000, making it the world's most expensive truffle.

Calling all young cooks RECKON you've a budding Jamie or Nigella waiting in the wings?

Tesco is looking for children aged between 10 and 16 to compete in its Young Chef of the Year competition.

Entrants must devise a main course and a dessert using original recipes. The ingredients must cost no more than Euro25 and must be available in Tesco stores.

Four entrants from each province will go forward to regional heats, with the winners going on to compete in the final in Dublin.

With the prize of a trip to Euro Disney for a family of four and a PC for the student's school kids' interest should be piqued!

Pick up an entry form in any Tesco store (closing date is 5 March).

Food for luck and a long life TODAY marks the start of Chinese New Year, a festival that celebrates the earth's fertility. Much of the food served during this festival has symbolic meaning, often relating to its name, its shape or colour. A whole chicken symbolises family togetherness; tangerines symbolise luck, spring rolls wealth and noodles longevity - hence it's considered bad luck to cut them.

The word for fish sounds like the words both for wish and abundance, so families often serve a fish at the end of the evening meal, symbolising a wish for abundance in the coming year.

The fish is usually served whole, with its head and tail attached, symbolising a good beginning and ending for the coming year.

Mardi Gras Pancakes are now a year round favourite, as seen by the arrival of even more great pancake joints around Dublin.

The latest addition is Anderson's CrepA"rie on Carlingford Road in Drumcondra, where buckwheat pancakes are a speciality. If you're planning on cooking pancakes this Tuesday, try making your batter on Monday evening and storing it in the fridge overnight.

Pancakes are fun food so consider hosting a pancake party this year, and invite friends around for a casual supper. Place all the toppings in bowls on the table and let everyone DIY.

Try these favourite suggestions below, which allow guests to create a main course and dessert.

(Go one step better and host an official pancake party to raise funds for the National Childrens' Hospital. See www. pancakeparty. ie) A>>Crispy bacon and maple syrup A>> Banana, Nutella and vanilla ice cream A>> Spinach, cream cheese and smoked salmon A>> Panfried apple, cinnamon and whipped cream A>> Mixed berries and crA"me fraiche