Bagna Cauda Recipe

1/2 cup butter
1 cup olive oil
2 cans(2 oz. each) anchovy fillets, drained and chopped
12 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 small truffle, chopped(optional)
1/4 cup heavy cream(optional)
Fresh vegetables or bread sticks, for dipping

Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, earthenware casserole dish or stove-to-table baking dish. Add olive oil, chopped anchovies and garlic; mix well. If desired, add truffle and/or cream; mix well. Simmer 1 hour to let flavors blend. If necessary, transfer mixture to a heatproof serving dish; keep warm at the table over a heat source.