Perhaps it’s the time of year, perhaps because we’ve just had Christmas, or perhaps because it’s nearly my birthday, but my thoughts keep drifting to my childhood. We’re making a beef pie for friends who are coming to lunch tomorrow and we thought we would put chestnuts in… We used to roast chestnuts along the grate of the fire at home, and on a shovel on a bonfire, taking care to bite the ends off first so they didn’t explode… and I remember the chestnut sellers in Cambridge when I was a child. I’m not sure if I really remember this, or if I’m putting several things together, but I seem to think there used to be a roast chestnut seller who was stationed outside or near the Dorothy, a café and dance-room… and I have the feeling there was one who stood outside the church on Sidney Street.
The chestnut seller, in my memory or in my imagination, was small and bundled up in clothes with a broad-brimmed hat (or maybe that was in a painting I once saw) and they stood by the brazier, which was warm and with a smell of charring and smoke, and the distinctive smell of the roasting chestnuts. The chestnuts were fat and glossy and slightly blackened and they would be served in a twist of paper. The first ones would be so hot they burnt your fingers and lips, but they nut inside was always meltingly soft and so delicious…
I came across a street-seller with a barrow selling chestnuts; I bought a bag and i think they had been steam cooked and then finished on the brazier. They were hard and dry and not sweet, and actually not very nice.
Lois Elsden 
I think everything tasted better when we were young and the sense of smell can induce memories of times once forgotten. I was in Niagara on the Lake Canada a few years ago and purchased some dandelion and burdoch pop and some English crisps. To my dissapointment they didn’t taste like anything I remembered. Is it me or have they changed the recipe?
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I think sometimes they do change the recipe…Crisps have certainly changed, but there are some less commercial brands which taste like they used to! As for dandelion and burdoch… I have no idea! I will ask my husband to do a taste test for you!
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seems like chestnuts is a childhood memory across borders. that’s why we made the chestnut crepe cake at home although it required much effort.
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That sounds rather nice!
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Forget the soup Lois and make fajitas, one of my favorites.Start by browning cubed chicken.Then add mushrooms,onions and red and green chopped peppers. Spice with garlic powder, cayenne, paprika and crushed chili peppers. Next put some on a warmed tortilla, but don’t get greedy. Add some chopped tomatoes and lettuce and some salsa. Last some grated cheddar cheese.Fold the bottom up and the two sides over and have at it. It takes a while to know how much to use because you have to have the pocket to be able to eat it without a mess.I guarantee you will be a hero if your not already one. Good Luck Kid!
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This sounds scrummy! cayenne, paprika AND chili!! Mmmm, just the way I like it! How long do you cook the chicken and vegetables for?
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Fry the chicken until its cooked and brown and then put the mushrooms and veggies in until they are hot and softened then scoop this on the tortilla. OLE!
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Ole yum!
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Fantastic post! I just made chestnut crème, and am having fun seeing other takes on these fabulous little treats!
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