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Spiced Butter Roasted Chestnuts

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Chestnuts roasting over an open fire brings nostalgic memories of singing Christmas carols, but how many of us have actually had roasted chestnuts? Turns out they’re incredibly easy – especially in an oven, in case you don’t happen to have a roaring fire burning. Dipping them in vanilla browned butter spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, & nutmeg is just the cherry on top.

I can be a bit of a grinch until December but now it’s all celebration for the rest of the month. My perfect day for getting into the spirit of the season: get up early, head into the mountains, hike with Scout, and cut down our own tree from the national forest. Head home to put up the tree, make hot cocoa & a crackling fire, and peel chestnuts while we decorate. And yes, I’m finally ready: bring on the Christmas carols!

Roasting chestnuts is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! (Open fire optional.) Spiced vanilla browned butter is just the cherry on top.

My mom used to roast chestnuts after dinner throughout December and we’d all sit on the floor shelling them. Sometimes the shells peeled right off, sometimes it took forever to pick little bits out of all the nooks and crannies. Me, I’d usually try for a few minutes, then just pop it in my mouth anyway with some extra crunch.

Now I’ve learned that blanching the chestnuts in boiling water just before roasting helps the skins peel off much more cleanly. No more tiny chestnut slivers for me!

Roasting chestnuts is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! (Open fire optional.) Spiced vanilla browned butter is just the cherry on top.

I was so happy to find that my local King Soopers (aka Kroger outside of Colorado) has already begun carrying fresh chestnuts for the season! Whole Foods also usually has them by this time of year. Ordering online seems to be pretty hit or miss, so I suggest checking your local stores first.

Next step: the tree! Have you already got yours up, or do you wait another week to pick one out? I’m hoping to get ours this weekend!


Roasting chestnuts is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! (Open fire optional.) Spiced vanilla browned butter is just the cherry on top.
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5 from 1 vote

Spiced Butter Roasted Chestnuts

Roasting chestnuts is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! (Open fire optional.) Spiced vanilla browned butter is just the cherry on top.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 247kcal
Author: Mountain Cravings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fresh chestnuts
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 t. vanilla
  • 1/4 t. cinnamon
  • 1/4 t. nutmeg
  • 1/4 t. cardamom
  • 1/4 t. salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425° with a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
  • While water is heating, score the chestnuts. Carefully cut an X on the flat side with a paring knife, cutting just through the shell but not into the meat inside.
  • Blanch the scored chestnuts in boiling water for 60 seconds, then drain. Arrange chestnuts cut-side-up on the preheated baking sheet.
  • Roast at 425° for 25-30 minutes, until shells begin to curl back.
  • While chestnuts are roasting, brown butter in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla, spices, and salt.
  • When chestnuts are done, cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let cool until you can handle them. Peel the shells & skins of the chestnuts while they're still warm for easier removal.
  • Toss the shelled chestnuts in the spiced butter and serve warm.
Print Recipe


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1 December 2017 Tagged With: American, Appetizers & Snacks, Cozy Comfort Foods, Gluten Free, Holiday Spreads, Kid Friendly, Vegetarian

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jake jacobs says

    17 December 2017 at 1:10 pm

    Hello Kate. Thank you for the post info above about roasting chestnuts.Your recipe is pretty close to what we used growing up. I am trying to find the chestnuts to prepare, but having great difficult doing so. I am in Colorado. Are you also, and if so, can you suggest where you go to find these at King Soopers or Whole Foods? Thank you. ~ jake

    Reply
    • Kate says

      17 December 2017 at 5:12 pm

      Hi Jake! Yes, I’m in Golden, and actually my local King Soopers had them by the grapes & berries. If not there, I’d try Whole Foods produce next. Good luck!

      Reply
      • jake jacobs says

        17 December 2017 at 6:02 pm

        Thanks Kate. We just a phone call confirming that our local Sprouts (Parker) have them in bulk barrels for scooping purposes. Hope they will work well, or I might have to try some other sources, even if it means going to Golden…..miss these from when i was just a little kid…..”bring back the traditions”
        Thanks again. ~ jake

        Reply
        • Kate says

          17 December 2017 at 6:43 pm

          Oh great! Glad you found them, and they’ll likely be less expensive at Sprouts in bulk than prepackaged at King Soopers. I’d love to hear how yours turn out!

          Reply
          • jake jacobs says

            17 December 2017 at 7:46 pm

            I’ll make a note to send you some feedback…..

            Reply

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