Difference MakersThe Advertising spot above is reserved for companies,people and organizations that are making a difference in the Italian and Italian American communities. It's a free spot and changes periodically. Are you making a difference? Contact me. | Castagne Roasting on an open fire…or ovenI forgot to add one of my favorite things to the list below…actually I probably forgot many but one that I truly love and miss is the smell of roasting castagne (chestnuts) in the winter. The scene of the salesman camped out with his roaster on the corner as people bustled by to finish some last minute Christmas shopping or gather ingredients for dinner would always make me smile. The small paper bags (like the ones used for penny candy) they would put them in were perfect. The robust castagne were always the biggest I had ever seen and they selected them one by one as they counted them out to show they were giving you your money’s worth. I would buy a bag and sit to watch people go by or stroll slowly through the city center bundled in my coat and scarf. Simple and brilliant. I just had to make some last night thinking about it. They are rather expensive at the grocery store ($5.99/lb) but well worth it. They are simple to make and here’s how: 1- preheat the oven at 350 degrees 2- make a cut into each castagna with a sharp knife. This is important because if you don’t the castagne will explode from the heat. Think of a kernel of corn but much larger and you don’t get popcorn as a result. 3- Place the castagne on a cookie sheet and put them in the oven for 1 hour DONE I know it’s not as romantic as roasting them on an open fire (even though we did have a fire burning) but they are yummy and make your whole house smell delicious. Enjoy! 
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Hey Joe,I love castagni too,especially roasted and eaten along side a nice glass of rosso. Thanks for the comment on our blog. Your new site is great and I’ll be stopping by again soon. Meanwhile I’ll add you to our links and maybe you could do the same for us.
Best wishes Amanda ‘A Tuscan View…..’
Yes,yes,yes…a glass of rosso works very well. thanks Amanda. Joe
Thanks for stopping by my blog today,Joe. Nice blog you’ve got here. I’ll be back! (I’ve added you to my blogroll,in fact.)
I had castagne for the first time about a month ago (and blogged about it,of course) because wowie-zowie are they ever good!
Thanks Tui,back at ya!
Joe