Sunday, December 14, 2008

'SEE THE BLAZING YULE BEFORE US' ~ ROASTED CHESTNUTS / ORANGE-INFUSED MULLED WINE

See the blazing yule before us,
fa la la la la la, la la la la.


~ A delightful evening by the fireside
(Hubbard Lake)
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ROASTED CHESTNUTS
~ Simple yuletide fun shared with family and friends

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Cut an 'X' on the flat side of each chestnut. Arrange nuts in single layer on a baking sheet and bake 20-30 minutes, turning often, until outer shell and inner skin can peel away easily. Peel with the help of a small sharp knife and eat while HOT to the fingers.

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ORANGE-INFUSED MULLED WINE

~ Perfect fireside drink

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1 bottle Burgandy, Cabernet sauvignon, claret or other red wine

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup port, brandy, or Grand Marnier (optional)

juice of 1 lemon

1 Tbsp. whole allspice

1 tsp. whole cloves

strips of 1 whole orange

3 cinnamon sticks

additional cinnamon sticks

Combine wine, sugar, port (brandy or Grand Marnier), lemon juice, allspice, cloves, orange strips and cinnamon in large pot. Simmer gently for 20 minutes (do not allow to boil). Strain into serving cup or mug (tea strainer works well). Serve hot with additional cinnamon swizzle sticks.

13 comments:

  1. Is that your fireplace...it is wondeful!

    I have never had roasted chestnuts, I'm not even sure you can get them around here (West Coast). They sound yummy! Kim

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  2. How extraordinarily beautiful, Joey. :) So cozy.

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  3. Hi Kim ~ Yes, this is my fireplace at the cottage ... I love it! I'm sure you must have chestnuts in the produce section this time of year. If not, you can buy them roasted in a jar (Trader Joe's or Williams-Somoma). I also love chesnuts in dressings and roasted with brussels sprouts. Good luck finding them!

    Thanks Nancy ~ wish you were near to share this treat by the fire. Hope all is well and life settling down.

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  4. okay i am there with you by fireside with glass of
    wine in hand and talking...laughing...telling stories.
    we have roasted chestnuts before and no-one really cared for them but it was fun.

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  5. Sounds wonderful, Marmee ~ bring Meems and we'll have all a real good 'sister-to-sister' talk ;) Holiday Hugs! (other good stuff to nibble on besides the chesnuts)

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  6. Joey, your fireplace is so cozy and inviting. I love our fireplace too. Have never tried roasted chesnuts-sound good though. Thanks for the mulled wine recipe. I've bought the mix before but now can make my own. Happy Holiday wishes!

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  7. When we go back home I am going to try your recipe for mulled wine, dear Joey :)

    I love your photo of the moon in the previous post..we had a rainy night and saw nothing!

    I also learned a lot about the poinsettia as I had no knowledge of its fascinating connection to the Aztecs.

    Merry Christmas, Dear One, and happy holidays, with life's richest blessings to you and yours in 2009 :)

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  8. Your mulled wine recipe is just what I was looking for. I don't like the ones that are over the top with lots of spices. Thanks.

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  9. Dear Joey,
    Thank you for a warm welcome...
    This is a beautiful firplace. I feel so cozy.
    The chestnuts sound yummy too. I will try this. I love the idea of chestnuts with vegetables.
    I have been reading and catching up with your posts. It is a pleasure getting to know you.
    I am hungry now. Think I will go get a nut snack of some sort...
    Thanks for a most delightful time!
    Sherry

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  10. Do I spy a t.v. remote control on the coffee table? I hope you weren't watching T.V. with that beautiful fire going.

    Which reminds me, I need to get a fire going here; it's colder than George Bush's reception in Baghdad over the weekend.

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  11. Wonderful fireplace. What a great place to sit and read. My parents have a fieldstone fireplace too but they never use it.
    Marnie

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  12. Hi Joey, you'll be amazed that I also posted a recipe at my blog--and one for German mulled wine at that!!
    ~ Monica

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  13. ... and Happy Holiday wishes to you, dear Beckie. The mix is handy but see how easy it is to make at home!

    I'm delighted to see you back, Wildlife Gardener. You have been missed by many, including me. May blessings follow you wherever you go. Happy Holidays!

    Hi Jane Marie ~ I've missed catching up with you. Enjoy this treat!

    Welcome Sherry ~ I've done my job, making you hungry :)

    You are too funny, Marysol! That TV remote does not belong to me ... it should have been a glass of mulled wine (sorry).

    While at the cottage, except for hot summer/autumn/spring days, the fireplace is always roaring, Marnie.

    I popped over ~ loved your great post about tradition and great friends ... and ... your mulled German wine recipe! Happy Holidays!

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