Chestnuts???

[baab95]

My mother in law just gave me a bag of chestnuts as she knows that I love them. I normally make Nigella's delicious and hearty chestnut and lentil soup with them. Although I'm rather pleased with the unexpected gift, I've never used fresh chestnuts before (always the vac-packed or canned ones), and I'm therefore rather anxious about using them. I plan on trying to roast them tomorrow (with the emphasis on trying). If anybody has any recipes that they are willing to share it would be much appreciated.

[Crocus]

Hi Baab95, I was so sure I've given you the link, but somehow it disappeared. I don't have chestnut recipes myself, but perhaps this will help:

http://www.chestnutsonline.com/recipes.htm

[Healing Hands]

Hi baab95 I hope you pricked them before putting them in the oven otherwise they will burst everywhere, I made that mistake many years ago. I did not know you could get fresh chestnuts this time of year!

[baab95]

Hi Healing Hands: I did cross cut the shells before oven roasting them. That was the easy part, the peeling took longer than the roasting! The side effects are two very red and lacerated thumbs and terribly dry hands. At least I know that they'll taste great. I've got a pot of lovely chestnut and lentil soup bubbling at the moment and I can't wait to tuck in!!!

[Healing Hands]

Sounds a lovely soup, I would like to try that if you pass on the recipe, but tell me where do you get fresh chestnuts this time of year?

[baab95]

The soup is delicious and quite hearty, and is a family favourite at this time of year (in southern Australia) as the climate is rather cool. I can't lie the recipe is not mine but the lovely Nigella's. If you can lay your hands on a copy of Nigella Lawson's How to Eat its well worth it as this is where I got the recipe. If you don't have the book I'm sure the recipe would be on her website. Best wishes Baab95

[SummerSkye]

We just bought fresh chestnuts at Batlow, south west slopes of NSW for $5 a kilo, less than half what the supermarkets are charging. Chestnuts are lovely and plump after all the welcome rain.