Sweet Chestnuts

floss2

If they are sweet (very spiney) chestnuts, unpeel them from the spiney outer first. Then use a sharp knife & split the hard shell and either boil and peel to use in stuffing, or roast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, quite hot, allow to cool & eat.

*manda*

They aren't conkers, they are chestnuts!

We have scored and roasted, but as I said they aren't peeling off very well and basically crumbling. We have followed instructions found on several websites and tried different times and temperatures....

Stuffing is a no-no sadly as OH is a fusspot!

Keep the suggestions coming though- it's a big bag so we can experiment!

Topher

Are they the sweet chestnuts in the shells that are so covered in soft spines they look hairy, or are they horse chestnuts in the shells that have the odd hard spine here and there?

Gigervamp

Topher wrote: »

Are they the sweet chestnuts in the shells that are so covered in soft spines they look hairy, or are they horse chestnuts in the shells that have the odd hard spine here and there?

OP said they're sweet chestnuts, not conkers.

OP, I'd try boiling them. The water will soften the shells so it should make them easier to get out.

splodger_seedswapper

i collected a load of sweet chestnuts the other day too

i don't like them cooked on their own - but they are really quite scrummy when braised - i mixed some in with a braised red cabbage - wish i'd put in more - as they were fab

i peel the skin before cooking - for just a few i'd usually use my nails - but as i was peeling several, i just took the top off with a knife then peeled with fingers - very quick and easy

Topher

Gigervamp wrote: »

OP said they're sweet chestnuts, not conkers.

So they did, how awful of me. Sorry

Justamum

I used to love chestnuts, until a couple of years ago when I bought a batch of them and they were full of maggots :eek:

*manda*

No maggots so far, but we do check for damage and holes etc!

Will have a go at boiling, may try that then toss in some sugar and cinnamon or something.

There was a recipe on TV last week apparently with Valentine Warner who did a sweet version with caramel and a savoury version with chilli however I can't find it online.

booter

Countryfile had a small feature with Anthony Worrall Thompson on cooking with sweet chestnuts. The whole programme was quite interesting - called "Wild Harvest" http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03dyrjy/sign/Countryfile_Compilation_Wild_Harvest/