I love this part of the month sooo much…. it’s timeeee for chestnuts! (Is that even the right word? 🤔 Who cares, you get me!)
I’ve been working like crazy these past few days. No time for me, no time for treats, no time for anything fun. But October? October is chestnut season, baby. And eating those warm, toasty little nuggets of happiness is my absolute favorite thing.
That smell… ohhh the smell! 😍 Luckily, my company is pretty awesome, and today we had a little “chestnut party” for the employees. Our boss asked who wanted to help and who wanted to just chill at the station. Guess what I said?
Of course….“I’ll help crack the chestnuts!”😂 (And wow, that sounds so weird in English, right? But you know what I mean!)
Anyway, chestnuts are basically autumn’s little gift to humanity. They’re a cozy, delicious delicacy that somehow makes life better. Best enjoyed outdoors, with good company, maybe a glass of apple cider… or in my case, a big warm cup of mulled wine. But hey, if you can’t go outside, you can totally make them at home too! There are three ways: roasted in the oven, roasted in a pan, or boiled.
Still, nothing beats the ones cooked outside. Mmmmmm ❤️❤️ When I was a kid, we used to pick them in the forest and roast them together as a family. The smell, the smoke, the laughter…. pure nostalgia!
Okay, okay, but let me tell you how to make them properly, because I’m basically a chestnut master now. 😂
First, if you pick them from the forest, let them dry in the sun a bit, then keep them in a box in a cool place for a day or two. Before roasting, you have to cut a little slit in each chestnut…on both sides. There are two reasons: one, so they don’t explode like mini grenades in your oven (true story 😅), and two, so they’re easier to peel later.
People have different cutting styles, some make little crosses, others poke holes with forks, and some just slice them straight across. The key is to cut through the shell but not too deep, or you’ll end up with chestnut crumbs instead of chestnuts. And if you find any soft or holey ones… toss them out. They’re traitors.💪👍
See? Told you I’m a pro at this chestnut business 😂
Anyway, today was amazing. I got to relive those old days a bit, surrounded by laughter and the smell of roasted goodness. Now I’m full, happy, and completely ready to faceplant into bed.
Oh, and the best part? I'm already home! Wooohooo! 🎉 (apparently I was good girl today) 😂😂
So tell me, do you guys have this chestnut tradition too? Or is it just me walking around like a squirrel in October? 🐿️✨
With love, @tinabrezpike ❤️