Le caldarroste

Italian for Roasted Chestnuts. 

chestnuts

When in Rome during late fall there are a few must to-dos. Sure, it helps to have family as I do but, I have a list. Must haves; artichokes, lamb, and some great carbonara. Heads-up, there's the perfect walk along treat this time of year. I can smell roasted chestnuts blocks away. I turn the corner coming out of the Vatican and see chestnut vendors with their portable roasters everywhere, at the ready. I scope out the chestnut scene and feel-out who has the perfect roast going on. I use my food radar, (which by the way I am never really wrong) and approach the tidiest chestnut vendor on the corner to place my order. A few Euros later with parchment wrapped warm chestnuts in hand, we stroll through the streets of Rome with the perfect snack. 

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Roasting Chestnuts

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Clean chestnuts and dry. Use a sharp paring knife to cut a small X into flat pointed tip end of each chestnut, or prick chestnuts with a sharp church key (can opener) fork to allow steam to escape, preventing them from exploding.

 Place chestnuts in a shallow roasting pan. Roast in oven for 15-25 minutes, shaking occasionally or until chestnuts are tender and shells peel easily. Chestnuts are enjoyed at their best when warm.

Tip: Roasting time is variable depending on freshness. Choose firm heavy, not hollow when buying.

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Fagioli al Fiasco

Do you know your fire?

Hankering for a hearty cold weather side-dish? This one happens to be made with a super power food, the cannellini bean - sometimes referred to the white kidney bean. Cannellini beans are a great source of fiber and iron.

Here's a recipe that I learned from my chef friend Gino in Tuscany. He serves this local speciality, a typical Sienese dish in his trattoria located in the medieval village of Montebeniche. You would die for his Fagioli al Fiasco, aka Beans in the Flask; basically beans cooked in a Chianti bottle. Note, without the wrapped straw. It's so simple, yet one of my most memorable dishes I tasted while in Italy.

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Fagioli al Fiasco (aka Beans in the Flask)

Cannellini beans are soaked overnight in water with salt.

The next day put into the ‘fiasco’ or heat-proof crock with 2 Tbsp of olive oil and 2 cloves of garlic, a quarter onion, 2 sage leaves, a small piece of fresh rosemary. Then fill 3/4 full of water or better yet vegetable, chicken or meat broth. Bring beans up to a boil, then moved to a lower temperature, cap and gently simmered for an hour. Traditionally the fiasco was capped and put next to a dying fire in the hearth and slowly cook until the next day. 

Hampton Baking Co.

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When I learned my craft, :) it was instilled by my chef mentors and my Nana - that only the finest ingredients should be used when baking.

Think tender and naturally sweet! I am proud to offer what I bake for my family, friends - NOW making it available to YOU TOO!.

And, in keeping with my decades of philanthropic work, every purchase will benefit a community cause near and dear to me that will benefit those needing a hand up.

I hope that when you are purchasing gifts this season you think of the Hampton Baking Co. LIMITED EDITION Holiday Biscotti Gift Box assortment as that a very special gift!

My Pastry Team & I thank you, and may you have a blessed holiday! 

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