Chestnuts Roasting on an...Whoa, First You Have to Get 'Em
I hope your holidays - however you celebrate them - are going well. Like a lot of you I’m sure, I have a sort of idealistic view about this time of year and the idea of maybe - just perhaps - using some of that time to relax and get some rest. Yah, I know - HA! But on the bright side, and there’s always a bright side, how ‘bout we put together a relaxing fun snack that’s as easy to make as it is great at taking the edge off the cold. I’m talking about freshly roasted chestnuts. And, though they’re not quite “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” (I hope you’re singing. I am - with crossed eyes), roasting fresh chestnuts either in a full-sized kitchen oven or a toaster oven, which I like best for convenience and energy savings, works fantastically well.
First, though, you have to get the chestnuts, and that’s all we’ll talk about here.
You’ll most likely find fresh chestnuts in the fruit and vegetable section of the grocery store.
Once you find them, select those that are firm to the touch, heavier in weight and free of small circular worm holes and any signs of visible mold. When you get the chestnuts home, refrigerate them in a plastic bag, and plan to use them within a week. Of course, I’ve gone longer than that, and the chestnuts have usually been fine, but using the chestnuts sooner than later - just like you would for any fresh food - works best.
Tomorrow, we’ll get to the roasting. If you already have chestnuts and can’t wait ‘til tomorrow, no problem. Just click this link to download free, easy to follow step-by-step picture book directions.