Roasted Chestnuts

In the winter in Italy, freshly roasted chestnuts are sold on street corners. When my parents lived in a small town outside of Rome, they would collect the ripe chestnuts that fell to the ground in the forest and roast them. If you have never tried these delicious nuts roasted, now is the time. The season lasts from fall through early winter. Whole Foods, Trader Joes and many grocery stores carry fresh chestnuts.




Carefully cut a X into one side of each of the chestnuts. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes at 400°.



Chestnuts are especially good roasted on an open fire, hence the mention in the Christmas song. Roast them in a grill pan that has holes in it (the kind that is sold to cook veggies on the bbq) or you can make your own as my father has done by drilling holes in a stainless steel or cast iron frying pan.

Serve warm with a glass of dry red wine. Peel off the shell and enjoy!