Nutty Snacks

Several of our holiday recipes call for nuts as described below. These also work to prepare delicious nuts for your holiday appetizers.

How to Roast Chestnuts

A classic holiday treat!

1. Using a sharp paring knife, make a large X on the flat side of the chestnut. Be sure to cut all the way through the thick outer peel, but try not to cut into the meat.
2. OPTION: soak the chestnuts in warm salted water for 15-20 minutes. Drain. This will make peeling easier and the salt will help bring out the natural sweetness of the chestnuts.
3. Spread the nuts cut-side up over an ungreased baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until toasty.
4. Peel the chestnuts while they're still hot (you may want to use a dish towel). Remove the inner skins as well.

How to Roast Nuts

This method is a little more labor-intensive than others (though it's not at all difficult), but it's worth it. The nuts are sweet, delicious, and more digestible and nutritious than regular roasted nuts. A must for nut aficionados! You can do this with any kind of nuts or seeds.

• 2 c. nuts or seeds, any kind
• 2 c. water
• 2 tsp. salt

1. Place nuts in a large bowl. Add water and salt. Soak for 6-12 hours.
2. Drain nuts and spread on baking sheets.
3. Bake at 300 degrees until toasty smelling and light brown inside. Stir occasionally while roasting, and keep a good watch on the nuts so they don't burn.

Note: different nuts will take different amounts of time to roast; almonds take a lot longer than sunflower seeds...