Chestnut Dinner in the Mountains of Italy

As the autumn nights lengthen, the air grows brisk, and the warmth of home seems all the more inviting, there’s no better time to celebrate the chestnut than by spending a delightful evening fire-roasting them with friends and savoring a chestnut-based dinner – it’s a surefire way to warm up the season!  Most Americans’ knowledge of chestnuts is limited to the famous opening words of “The Christmas Song” – “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” – but few realize that the lowly chestnut has played a vital role in the gastronomic, economic and cultural history of Italy for well over a millennia. <<more>>

 


Setting the Scene

Centerpiece

In America, chestnuts immediately conjure up images of them “being roasted on an open-fire”, but in Italy, this well-loved nut has many culinary purposes from being eaten raw, to roasted, boiled, stewed or dried.  Italian chestnuts are grown in the high mountains of Italy and are not necessarily indigenous to one particular region. <<<more>>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bevanda

Chestnuts_Wine

Begin the meal with a Schiava Lago di Caldaro Alto Adige DOC 2003 or a Schiava Santa Maddalena Alto Adige DOC 2003 to complement the Zuppa.
These light-red beauties have very soft tannins and a dry, fruity taste.

Try serving a spicy red Gutturnio Colli Piacentini Riserva 2000 with the Castellane.

The dark red, full-bodied Lagrein Alto Adige DOC Riserva 2000-2001 will pair well with the Costoletta.  Its fruity aroma and flavor and soft tannins will balance the richness of the Costoletta.

Finish the evening with serving a warm mulled cider with the dolce .



 




Things To Do  

 Barilla_grocery_woman
Between the taking the kids to various activities, meeting deadlines at work and making sure your laundry is done, life can be hectic. For someone with a busy lifestyle, hosting a dinner party can be overwhelming. Enjoying the conviviality of an authentic Italian meal with family and friends shouldn’t have to be a lot of work. We have put together a simple outline of things you need to do and buy to host this dinner party – we’ve done the work here, so you don’t have to.  <<more>>

 

 

 

 


 

 Chestnut Dinner in the Mountains of Italy  
Overview |Setting the Scene |To Do/Shopping List |Il Menu |Element of Fun