Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way;

He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
And every mother's child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
A very Merry Christmas to you

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It's all about chestnuts here today. I remember as a young girl walking the streets of Lisbon during the Christmas season and one of my favorite things, was the Chestnut vendors.

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You could smell the chestnuts roasting and within minutes they would hand you a newspaper cone filled with these deliciously roasted chestnuts. It brings back so many good memories.

While grocery shopping at the commissary yesterday, I found a whole barrel of them, it's not something they usually have, you don't understand how happy I was to see them. It's like being instantly transported back to 8 years old carrying around this big cone and nibbling on them while walking the busy streets of Lisbon, Portugal, with all the Christmas decorations and lights and shoppers scrambling around for last minute gifts.

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So I'm going back in time today, I'm roasting chestnuts and I'm taking you along, because you know, I think everyone should try these at least once in their life....and because they make me think of Christmas.

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ROASTED CHESTNUTS

  • If oven roasting preheat oven to 180C | 355F, if using stove top use medium low heat.
  • With a small steady knife make a cut in each chestnut
  • Rinse chestnuts well in cold water
  • Spread wet chestnuts on pan
  • Salt generously
  • Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until tender to taste. *Note: When roasting chestnuts they may crack and pop so it’s good to use lid then check and rotate frequently.


  • Go ahead and grab some for yourself, I made enough to for everyone. Enjoy!

    16 comments:

    Blessed Beyond said...

    Oh WOW, talk about a walk through a wonderful time! I have never experience this first hand, but I tell you, it was like I was a lil girl with you. I can only imagine. But thank you so much for taking me with you. Hope you are having a wonderful day! Hugs and Blessings,

    The Bookworm said...

    Oh, I love roasted chestnuts! You still find chestnut vendors in central London.

    Mississippi Songbird said...

    I've never had chestnuts.. I'll have to try them. thanks for the recipe. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.. Bunches of hugs....

    La Dolce Vita with LeAnn said...

    OMG....I have the same wonderful memory. There was only 1 vendor in Provo, UT, they were outside the most exclusive store in town "Clarks"....I loved it when we were there just in time for hot chestnuts! Yummy!

    La Dolce Vita with LeAnn said...

    OMG....I have the same wonderful memory. There was only 1 vendor in Provo, UT, they were outside the most exclusive store in town "Clarks"....I loved it when we were there just in time for hot chestnuts! Yummy!

    The Raggedy Girl said...

    Stopped by for a visit. Loved your tree, your advent calendar and all the events that go with it. Especially the pictures you all drew, how sweet is that. Christmas is not about money but spending our time with those we love.

    Roberta Anne

    Anonymous said...

    I absolutely love nuts but I've never tasted a chestnut.. I've never saw anyone sell them roasted and I never did know how to do it myself. Thanks so much for giving the directions.. if I can find some to buy I'll surely try them.
    Wish me luck.. I don't even know where to start looking.

    Amy said...

    Ha! This was absolutely delightful reading! I can officially say that I have learned something that I didn't know before... thanks for the recipe... I think I am going to try this with the kids... how fun!

    Terri said...

    I bet I would love them. I've never seen them roasting before. The smell probably brings memories right back.

    Lulu said...

    I remember also, seeing them and i would beg my mom to get some...They were so hot and so yummy...Thanks for taking me back..

    Susanne said...

    This was one of my mom's favorite things from childhood in Hungary too, the street vendors selling warm tasty chestnuts.

    autumnesf said...

    I've never had roasted chestnuts.

    Now I want to.

    Christina said...

    They look delicious and I love how they package them in a cone. I have never had these but the way you describe them makes me want to give them a try. Thanks for the recipe. I need to see if our commissary has these.

    Lara said...

    Também adoro castanhas assadas e continuamos a poder comprá-las na rua, embora agora se tenham lembrado de umas regras novas por causa da higiene. Mas só o cheiro quando passamos na rua é uma delícia.
    Adorei ver as fotos da família e da árvore.
    Beijocas e uma boa semana

    Renee said...

    I've never had roasted chestnuts but I think we're going to try them out this year. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful memory!

    Jen said...

    I've never had chestnuts before. I may have to give them a try if we can find some. Have a great day!