 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Roasted and Peeled Fresh Chestnuts
Listen to this feature (How to listen)
Adapted from A New Way to Cook by Sally Schneider (Artisan, 2001). Copyright 2001 by Sally Schneider.
This is my version of hearth-roasted chestnuts, which you can also use if you want peeled fresh chestnuts for a recipe. I score the chestnut peels first and soak the chestnuts in water before roasting. The residual water left in the drained chestnuts creates steam in the hot pan, keeping the chestnuts from drying out and making them easier to peel.
I like to serve the hot chestnuts as a warming snack on a winter's day. They also make a great hors d'oeuvre for Thanksgiving or Christmas Day with a glass of dry sherry or cider and are a great end of a meal, with a glass of sweet wine or grappa.
For 1 pound of chestnuts, start with 1 1/2 pounds chestnuts in the shell. Using a thin sharp knife, carve an X on the flat side of each chestnut. Put the chestnuts in a large bowl and add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Let soak for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour. Drain the chestnuts and pat dry.
Spread the chestnuts in a roasting pan and roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the shells are brittle and have curled back somewhat at the X. Remove from the oven.
As soon as the chestnuts are cool enough to handle, use a knife to peel off both the hard outer shells and the inner brown skins.
Sources for Canned Unsweetened Chestnut Puree:
Dean &: DeLuca
1-877-826-9243
www.deananddeluca.com
Weeknight Kitchen® is a free weekly e-mail newsletter full of new recipes and tips from Lynne and our guests.
Sign up »
This week's newsletter »
The Splendid Table®, is now available for free in podcast form. Follow the Sterns as they travel the country, hear all our unique and wonderful guests and, as always, Lynne takes your calls, downloaded direct to your computer every week.
Get the podcast
Get our recipes delivered straight to your iGoogle account with our new Google Gadget. It's free. It's easy. Find out how you can install this new feature on your Google Homepage.
Learn More