chestnuts - throw into the compost or try to make something?

[yogabird]

what do you think? dh was going to make chestnut stuffing but er... didn't get round to it. We also have loads of brussels sprouts into the compost too?

I had boiled chestnuts for the first time last night! DH boiled them for 20 minutes then peeled them and dipped them in salt. I tentatively agreed to try one - bloody lovely although i couldn't eat too many though!

A few ideas here

I make chestnut puree and freeze it. It is really nice mixed with plain yoghurt or as a topping on ice cream.

is peeling them a faff?

There are 2 ways to peel chestnuts

1. Start the night before and soak the nuts in water overnight to soften the shells. The next day, boil the chestnuts for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours before peeling. Using a slotted spoon, take out a small batch and drain, then peel off the shell and skin. Keep the remaining unpeeled chestnuts hot until you are ready to peel them as it is heat which keeps the shells and skins loose. No incision is needed using this method and the nut keeps it's full flavor.

2.When you need to be quick about peeling the chestnuts, use your stovetop. First, lay each nut flat side down and cut it in two with a cleaver. Drop the split chestnuts into a pot of boiling water and boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and drain a few at a time. Peel off the shell and skin with a paring knife. Sometimes the nuts may just be popped right out of their skins. They will still have good flavour, although a little is lost into the water.