Glazed Chestnuts Recipes

TURKEY WITH GLAZED CHESTNUTS, PARSNIPS AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Prepare the turkey a day before roasting: Pulse 10 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons chopped thyme, the paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a food processor until combined. Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey; discard the liver and reserve the neck and the rest of the giblets. Dry the turkey inside and out with paper towels. Loosen the skin over the breast, slide spoonfuls of the spiced butter underneath and smooth to cover the meat evenly. Rub the skin with the remaining spiced butter. Season the cavity with salt and pepper and stuff with 2 cipollinis, 3 thyme sprigs and the parsley sprigs. Refrigerate, uncovered, overnight.
• Simmer the neck, chestnuts, broth and 4 cups water in a medium saucepan over low heat, partially covered, until the chestnuts are plump, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Strain, discarding the neck, and reserve the chestnuts and broth in separate bowls. (This can be done a day ahead.)
• Bring the turkey to room temperature 30 minutes before roasting. Place a rack in the lowest position of the oven and remove the other racks; preheat to 400 degrees. Season the turkey all over with salt and pepper and stuff the lemon halves into the cavity. Tie the legs together with twine. Line a roasting rack with a double layer of foil and place in a roasting pan. Place the turkey, breast-side down, on the foil and roast 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and turn the turkey breast-side up, discarding the foil. Roast until golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 160 degrees, 30 to 35 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the remaining 12 cipollinis and 2 thyme sprigs and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the parsnips and cook until light brown, about 3 minutes. Add 3 cups of the reserved chestnut broth and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 12 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until glazed, about 10 more minutes. Keep warm.
• Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and place the roasting pan with drippings over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour until browned, then whisk in 2 1/2 cups of the chestnut broth. Simmer until the gravy coats a spoon, about 5 minutes.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in another skillet, add the mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the reserved chestnuts and cook until toasted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add to the glazed vegetables. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons cold butter, then stir in the vinegar, chives and chopped parsley. Serve the turkey with the vegetables and gravy.

GLAZED ROASTED CHESTNUTS

Steps:

• In a hot small pot melt butter, add chestnuts toss to coat.
• Carefully add liqueur and toss to coat and reduce to glazed over chestnuts.
• Remove and plate sprinkle with salt.
• Enjoy them hot!

GLAZED CHESTNUTS WITH HARICOTS VERTS

Steps:

• Cook shallot in 2 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add chestnuts, broth, and liqueur and simmer, swirling skillet occasionally, until liquid is evaporated and chestnuts are glazed, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and keep warm.
• Cook beans in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain in a colander, then transfer beans with tongs to a large bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. Drain well.
• Heat remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until lightly browned. Add beans and toss until heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve beans topped with chestnuts.
• *Available at some supermarkets and specialty foods shops.
• **Available at Laird & Co. (877-438-5247).

ROASTED CHESTNUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Cut a 1/2 inch crisscross on the flat side of each nut. Be sure to cut through the shell to prevent the nut from exploding.
• Place the nuts in a shallow baking pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
• Allow to cool and peel off the shell.
• Place nuts in a skillet with butter and saute over high heat until the butter is melted and the chestnuts are well coated. Place skillet in oven and roast until they are golden on top. Sprinkle with salt and cinnamon.

GLAZED BACON WATER CHESTNUTS

Steps:

• Cut bacon strips into thirds. Wrap each strip around a water chestnut and secure with a toothpick. Place in an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. , Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until bacon is crisp, turning once; drain. , Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients; pour over water chestnuts. Bake 6-8 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly.

GLAZED CHESTNUTS

Steps:

• Cut a ring around each chestnut, then place them in boiling salted water to cover and cook for 3 minutes. Remove them from the water, a few at a time, and peel (both outer shell and inner skin) while still hot.
• Put the butter in a saucepan and turn the heat to medium. A minute later, add the chestnuts, a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chestnuts are quite tender, about 30 minutes, adding a little more water if necessary. When the chestnuts are ready, uncover and boil away any excess water, leaving the chestnuts glazed with the butter. Serve hot.