The approaching of Christmas brings to mind images of precious time spent with family and friends, snowmen and sleigh rides, glittering boxes and bows, the shining faces of children on Christmas morning, and the smell of sumptuous Christmas foods wafting in the air. For those in the Northern hemisphere nothing is more evocative of Christmas cheer than traditional hot roasted chestnuts straight from the coals. Made famous in Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song”, the humble chestnut has become a holiday staple in many cultures, and has found its way onto family tables in traditional Christmas recipes around the world. Although fresh chestnuts are out of season at Christmas time in Australia does not mean that chestnuts cannot be included in traditional Christmas menus. The availability of frozen peeled ready to use chestnuts means they can be incorporated easily.
Traditional European Christmas meals vary among nations, ethnicities, and even among regions, but all seem to incorporate chestnuts into some portion of the feast. The sweet, potato-like texture of chestnuts lends itself to many indulgent recipes and complements most any menu ensemble. Sweet Panettone-like Cozonac bread filled with walnuts and chestnuts and other flavourful fillings grace Romanian tables during holiday meals alongside traditional holiday preparations of pork and other sweet treats. Candied chestnuts – Marrons Glacés – are a delicious and universal treat loved across the spectrum, especially for Christmas gifts. Hungarian, Swiss and French cooks puree cooked chestnuts; mix them with sugar, vanilla and rum, or kirsch, to make a luscious sweet dessert which is often served at holiday celebrations. Although there is some disagreement among the French and Italians as to the origins of this creamy wonder, “Mont Blanc” is an endearing harbinger of holiday festivities to come.
Chestnuts also star in a variety of savoury presentations for the holidays in much of the world. With the popular turkey edging out the Christmas goose or pork and taking centre stage at the Christmas table in recent times, chestnuts have found their way into many savoury recipes to accompany the obligatory bird. The earthy, nutty flavour of chestnuts meld wonderfully with fresh sausage and sage to create a hearty, savoury chestnut stuffing as a perfect complement to the Christmas turkey. Chestnut stuffing can also take on a sweet and savoury twist when served with goose for Christmas dinner, pairing with tart apples, onions and herbs for a unique and delicious stuffing worthy of any special occasion. Surrounding the bird with sides of glazed chestnuts & brussel sprouts, roasted potatoes, and cranberry sauce makes for a celebratory feast that will satisfy even the most finicky of guests. For Christmas recipe ideas featuring chestnuts see our recipe section.
No matter where you are in the world, holiday festivities are a time for people to come together and share in the joyous traditions of past and present. These traditions are handed down through the ages from generation to generation. Families, friends, churches, and communities gather for a special time of feasting and fellowship, celebrating the spirit of the season each in their own special way. From gifts to spiritual rituals to holiday feasts, traditions are created in time, in peoples, and in cultures, precious and endearing to all those who cherish and celebrate them during this special time of year.
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