Preparing Food: A Decidedly French Approach to a Seasonal Favorite
Nat King Cole famously crooned about this ingredient and street vendors in NYC’s Rockefeller Center offer it by the bagful to winter tourists every year. Yes, we’re talking about phyto-nutrient rich, low-calorie chestnuts. But should something that’s been on seasonal menus for years suddenly become a recipe of the week star? We say, “Absolutely!”, especially if you forego the chestnut stuffing and use them to prepare marron glace instead.
Making marron glace is one of the sweetest and decidedly European ways to incorporate seasonal chestnuts into a meal. Most people who choose to get creative in the kitchen opt to include them as part of decadent dessert toppings or fillings. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, one of our readers recently added them to a pumpkin spice mousse dish along with a dollop of whipped cream.
You’ll find various ways to make marron glace, also known as candied chestnuts, touted on popular cooking sites and TV shows. Among them are places like The Epicurean Table and holiday specials hosted by Nigella Lawson. Although the recipes may vary a bit, the bare bones process remains the same. You’ll need:
Fresh Chestnuts
Vanilla Extract or Whole Bean
Granulated Sugar
Spring Water
Our faithful reader also added three tablespoons of butterscotch schnapps to her version and she swears they came out beautifully. So, you may want to add a splash or two of your favorite holiday liquor to the pot as well. If you do go for it, please contact us with the results. We’re curious to hear about your candied chestnut and liquor pairings. Once you’ve got the chestnuts and other ingredients in the house, plan on spending several days making these beauties.
Start by parboiling and carefully removing the chestnuts’ exterior layers. Afterward, make flavored, simple syrup using the remaining ingredients. The chestnuts must be placed in it and allowed to simmer periodically over the course of three to four days. When you’re done, be sure to take a photo because you’ll certainly want to remember this seasonal treat. Bon Appetite and we look forward to sharing more recipes of the week with you in the future!
Posted in: Cooking Tips & Recipes