Sure, the iconic image of these nuts roasting on an open fire is magical, but we would have preferred it if the next line in the classic Christmas ballad involved a chocolate chestnut torte baking instead of Jack Frost nipping. In fact, we adore almost anything, sweet or savory, in which rich-tasting, low-in-fat chestnuts appear. Here are some of our favorites.
Tips:
Choose Wisely
Look for chestnuts with firm, uncracked shells that are heavy for their size.
Store Properly
Store chestnuts in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for two weeks or in the freezer for several months.
Substitute to Save Time
Shelling freshly roasted chestnuts is time-consuming. Fortunately, chestnuts in a can or jar make an acceptable substitute in most recipes.
Check for Sweetness
If a recipe calls for chestnut purée, you can either make it yourself or purchase it from a gourmet grocer. If you opt for the latter, note that some are sweetened and some are not, so make sure you get the right kind for your recipe.
Recipes:
Super Soups
Nutty Stuffings
Chestnut, Prune, and Pancetta Stuffing
Chestnut, Onion, and Currant Stuffing
First Courses and Main Dishes
Tagliatelle with Chestnuts, Pancetta, and Sage
Chestnut Risotto with Butternut Squash
Striped Bass with Swiss Chard, Chestnuts, and Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Roast Pork Tenderloins with Balsamic-Chestnut Glaze
Something Sweet
Chestnut Cake with Maple Icing
Click here for many more recipes
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