Holiday Recipe: Roasted Chestnuts Two Ways

We all know about chestnuts roasting on an open fire. It goes hand in hand with Jack Frost nipping at your nose. So many people have heard this famous start to "The Christmas Song" yet in recent years it feels like roasted chestnuts have fallen out of favor, or at least off the Christmas menu in our homes. We find this really quite a shame, because they are a perfect treat for Christmas and are only in season until the end of December.

Before you rush off to the store, we must take a moment to discuss the chestnut itself. You want to choose ones that aren't externally wrinkled and have no holes in the skin (some can be as small as pinpricks). The shells should be a glossy brown color and smooth, as mottled or wrinkled shells could indicate mold. They should also be firm to the touch, and there should be no rattling when you shake them.

Today we'll show off two variations on roasted chestnuts: plain and seasoned. Both are incredibly simple recipes and are sure to be a hit.

Roasted Chestnuts Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2lb chestnuts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F
2. Use a paring knife to cut a thin line across the chestnuts. The knife should pass through the shell just barely into the flesh of the nut.
3. Place the nuts in a rimmed baking dish and bake for 35 minutes.
4. Once finished, remove from oven and peel the flesh away from the shell and the papery skin.
5. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Huffington Post

Buttery Roasted Chestnuts

Ingredients

• 2lbs chestnuts
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• a pinch of ground nutmeg
• pepper to taste

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 425F
• Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil
• Use a paring knife to cut an X into each shell, just barely into the flesh of the nut.
• Soak the nuts in a bowl of hot water for 1 minute.
• Pat the nuts dry, then place in a medium bowl.
• Add rosemary, butter, 2 teaspoons salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Toss in bowl to liberally coat each nut.
• Place chestnuts in a single layer on the baking sheet, then gather the edges of the foil around the nuts, leaving a large opening at the top.
• Roast the nuts in the oven for about 30-45 minutes, or until the shells of the nuts start to curl.
• Remove the chestnuts from the oven and toss them again with any leftover butter, then season with salt again if desired.
• Serve hot or warm.
• Enjoy!

Sweet Snack Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Almonds

Any time I go to a street fair, I can't help but look forward to the delightful smell of roasting almonds, especially the candied, cinnamon-and-sugar glazed almonds. It's such a shame they are a fair or carnival treat, I used to think to myself. Except they don't have to be! You can actually make your own at home and enjoy this wonderful (if high-in-calorie) snack at home!

To make this recipe, the most important aspect was of course getting the right glaze on the almonds. To get that light, wonderful crust we whisked egg whites into stiff peeks and To sweeten, we added sugar, cinnamon, and salt. A little vanilla extract added a fantastic flavor, and really helped the aroma that filled the house from making this snack. To make, we baked the nuts in the oven on a nice, low temperature that ensured the nuts created a perfect crust without burning or remaining too sticky. Keep reading below for this wonderful recipe...

Cinnamon Sugar Glazed Almonds

(makes 4 servings)

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1lb almonds

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 250F.
2. Beat the egg whites with a dash of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until the whites begin to form stiff peaks. Gently fold in the almonds and cinnamon.
3. Place the melted butter in a large mixing bowl and stir the almonds into the butter, coating them.
4. Transfer the almonds to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the almonds for 1 hour, stirring them every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
5. Enjoy!