This dessert is perfect for any fall gathering, especially Thanksgiving. It’s sweet, nutty, and has just the right amount of crunch. It’s also incredibly easy to make and can be done in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of chestnuts
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons of water
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. While you’re waiting for the oven to heat up, prepare your chestnuts. Cut an X into the flat side of each chestnut using a sharp knife. This will help the steam escape and make them easier to peel.
2. Place the chestnuts onto a baking tray and roast them in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before peeling them.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, combine the sugar and water over medium-high heat. Whisk the mixture until the sugar has dissolved, then stop whisking and allow the mixture to boil.
4. After a few minutes, the mixture will begin to turn a light amber color. This is when you need to start whisking again and add the butter.
5. Once the butter has melted, add the peeled chestnuts and salt to the skillet and stir to coat them with the caramel sauce. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes before serving.
That’s it! Your chestnuts in caramel are ready to serve. You can eat them as is or use them to top ice cream or a slice of pie. They’re also perfect for gift-giving or for taking to a potluck.
The key to this recipe is the caramel sauce. You want to make sure it has enough time to turn a rich, amber color, but not so much that it burns. If you’re not confident in your caramel-making skills, practice with a small amount of sugar and water before you begin the recipe.
One thing to keep in mind is that chestnuts can be a bit tricky to peel. Make sure you’re using a sharp knife and don’t rush the process. It’s better to take your time and avoid cutting yourself than to end up with a bunch of broken chestnuts.
In summary, this recipe for chestnuts in caramel is the perfect fall dessert. It’s easy to make, has just the right amount of sweetness, and is sure to impress your friends and family. Give it a try and let us know what you think!