November The Start Of Chestnut Season

Today is All Soul's Day , a big holiday throughout Catholic Europe. it;s when people eat chestnuts as a way for remembering loved ones past. the steam rising out of th e hot shells represents the souls who still linger over over. Another reason why the nut is so popular right now is that it is the season for them. Chestnuts ar e now popping up all over the US as well.

Chestnuts have long been a part of our diets. Early Europeans ate them and they're mentioned d in even Greek and Latin texts. Native Americans ate them as well, although not the same kind. There are three different kinds of chestnuts the Asian, European and the North American and each have several different subcatagories. Each nut is about t he same calorie wise as a handful of almonds or walnuts. They are th e only nuts to contain Vitamin C. Chestnuts have a high sucrose and starch content somethings earning them the the whole plant the nickname of the bread tree.

You can roast chestnuts on a perforated pan on a l ow flame. This is the best way to enjoy the meaty texture and slightly milky sweet taste .You can also put chestnuts in stuffing as well. A better idea is a chestnut souffle with a brandy sauce for a really elegant fall dessert. The most famous recipe is the Mont Blanc, sweet chestnut puree over a meringue base. it is then covered with freshly whipped cream. This is the perfect holiday party dessert, . Mont Blanc is the most beautiful and camera ready dessert to serve to impress guests.

This is the day and month for chestnuts. Eat them freshly roasted or in an elegant dessert Either way they are a true autumn treat!