Element of Fun - Roasting Chestnuts
To get in the mood of the autumn season and enhance the feeling of being outdoors, invite your guests to roast chestnuts – it’s a favorite past time that is sure to bring an element of warmth to your party and spur conversation among your guests. Nothing beats the smell of them roasting over an open fire.
If you have access to a patio/backyard, you might invest in a fun portable outdoor fireplace. You could provide guests with their own little goodie bag of chestnuts for roasting outside with cocktails. An indoor fireplace works just as well.
Here are some tips on roasting chestnuts on an open fire:
>Select firm, dry chestnuts that are similar in size and free of blemishes.
>Wash chestnuts with cold water and allow to dry.
>Prepare chestnuts by cutting an X into the shell of each nut. This prevents the chestnut from building up steam and exploding during roasting.
>Select a roasting utensil with a long handle such as a pan especially made for roasting chestnuts or a grill skillet with holes in the bottom, or a fireplace popcorn basket.
>Spread the chestnuts evenly in the pan. Use pot holders to hold the pan just over the coals or a low flame for 15 to 25 minutes, shaking it every once in a while.
>The chestnuts are ready when the outside shells appear darker in color and begin to open.
>Once roasted, allow the chestnuts to rest for 2-4 minutes to make peeling easier.
>When they are cool enough to handle, serve to guests.
* Chestnuts may also be oven roasted in a roasting pan or on a cookie sheet. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, prepare the chestnuts as above and roast for 15-25 minutes.
