Chestnuts on a roasting fire

     Who hasn't heard the Nat King Cole sing "The Christmas Song" and hear about roasting chestnuts on an open fire and not wondered what they taste like.  Chestnuts are now in the supermarkets for the holiday season.  I am not much of a nut lover but the smell and sweet taste of chestnuts are an exception.  I remember going to the Mummers Parade on New Years Day in Philadelphia and the smell of roasting chestnuts was on every street corner.  Give these nuts a try this year.  Here is how to roast them.

    Take a serrated knife and slit the chestnuts down to about half way to open up the nut.

 Simmer in a pot of salted water for about 5 minutes and then roast in the oven at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes.  Above picture shows how they open after roasting.  Cool and peal off the outer shell careful to try and keep the nuts whole.  Some nuts shell easier than others.



    Here is what the roasted nuts look like.  Try chopping them up and add to stuffing or sauteing with onions and brussel sprouts.   I also found this recipe for chestnut cream that sounds like a wonderful filling for crepes.