The temperature started chilly in the middle of October and here comes the fall season. It's time the chestnut fruit falling from the tree. It means they are ripe. The fruit is contained in a spiny very sharp green skin called "bur" and it will split open into sections as it dry and exposing the nuts inside. We have one chestnut tree at the backyard and the chestnuts can be found around the trees. I have to put my gloves on to collect them to prevent the burs hit on my skin..
Chestnut can be roasted or grilled over an open fire,even by boiling them. I chose to roast them in the oven because their taste better than others. There are few steps to roast chestnut.
1) Preheat oven to 400 degree F
2) Wash them off with water and soak them for 20 minutes or more
3) Cut a slit or an X shape on side of chestnut to prevent explosions or allow steam to escape
They have 2 different surfaces. One flat side and one round side. Some people slit them off on the flat side using paring knife but I cut them on the round side while putting the flat side on the bottom to prevent them rolling around.
4) Scatter them one layer in the baking sheet and add a little water to prevent them from drying out.
5) Roast for 30 minutes or until tender.You'll know they are done when the shells split up apart.
Peel the nuts as soon as you can handle them.
You can see the shell came off easily when they warm.
6) Store them in a jar or tight container.
That's it. Enjoy them for a snack time.
Posted on Sunday, October 17, 2010
by
Zoey
