Fire good
For the next 12 days we’ll bring you recipes that are perfect for Christmas and holiday celebrations. We’ll feature more drinks and sugar than normal, because let’s face it holiday celebrations often involve family or coworkers, sometimes both. Alcohol and sugar will help you make it through. But first here’s a snack that’s perfect cooked indoors or out.
Chestnuts can be roasted many different ways but over an open fire is always best. There are baskets made to use in a fireplace or grill but I find that a sheet of tin foil over a grill grate on top of a good bed of coals with holes punched through it works great. Just cut an X on the flat side of each nut then place on top of hot coals. Do not forget to cut skins or the chestnuts will explode. Shake or stir the nuts every 10 minutes until done, about 30-45 minutes depending on the heat of the fire. Serve while still warm.
I adore chestnuts! Not a Christmas tradition here, but definitely growing in popularity!
Here’s to alcohol and sugar! Sitting up and taking notes for my Christmas festivities…
I’ve never tasted chestnuts. Don’t know why … just haven’t. Some day, I’m sure. The smell of the roasting chestnuts must be very evocative of Xmas.
OMG, it is 12 days till Christmas. Jebus!
They roast these at Christmas fairs here and in France. Yours look great!
A holiday wasn’t finished until the chestnuts were brought out. Tasty, yes but not exaclty as light as an after-dinner mint.
OK, you lured me over with the video. King! That is our wedding song. Well, we were married 3 days before Christmas. Whatdaya expect? Love the chestnuts.
Lovely shot of the chestnuts and you’ve reminded me how much I like Nat King Cole:)
You totally tugged at my heat strings with that
and now my tummy is grumbling because it wants roasted chestnuts.
Mmmmmm…good way to start.
Check for freshness in your chestnuts – which can be an issue in US grocery stores – by putting them in a bowl of water before you roast them. Toss any that float.
Glad you posted this. It’s something I’ve always wondered about. Thank you for the nudge and a reminder.
Excellent picture
Really beautiful shot! It’s making me madly crave something I’ve (sadly!) never tried. And Nat turns my heart inside out! (I guess I’m kind of a mess right now. Thanks you two!)
I love chestnuts!
12 days of holiday goodness — I can’t wait to see what you guys do! These are also awesome. Never had actual roasted chestnuts before.
Love the song and your photo. I can’t believe we are into the twelve days already.
great photo! I actually saw chestnuts in the grocery store for the first time today…I kindof always thought that roasting them was a Christmas myth. Learned something new!
I love that smell of roasted chestnuts.. c
Reminded me that I haven’t eaten roasted chestnuts in so long. Excellent music choice too
I can’t wait to do this!
On cold days in Manhatten, it’s lovely to buy a bag of roasted chestnuts to warm cold fingers.
Great song and I adore roasted chestnuts – ooh that lovely smell!
I remember Philippines in this post, during Christmas season there are a lot of vendors of roasted chestnuts
I love roasted chestnuts…didn’t know that until last year though. They are a bit difficult to find around here. Have to hit the right store. We should try them over an open fire this year.
Yum yum yum! Love the sweet savouriness of chestnuts and they are so good warm from the fire. I usually have no patience and try to peel them while they are straight out of the oven and far too hot! merry Christmas!