Fire-Roasted Chestnuts: A Holiday Tradition Rooted in Magic

It's not just a wonderful song.

As a child, wandering the streets of New York with my mom and dad during the holiday season felt like stepping into a fairytale. The city sparkled with lights, and every window seemed to hold a little piece of magic—elaborate displays of toys, snowflakes, and twinkling ornaments. The air was alive with the sounds of street performers, the faint hum of Christmas carols, and the mingling scents of roasted nuts, warm pretzels, and the crispness of winter.

Among all of this wonder, my favorite tradition was stopping by the street vendors selling roasted chestnuts. My parents and I would huddle together as the vendor handed us a small paper bag filled with warm, fragrant chestnuts. Peeling away the crackling shells, we’d savor the soft, smoky sweetness of the nuts, their warmth spreading through our fingers and hearts as we strolled through the festive streets. My father would always get a hot buttered pretzel, but my mother and I always loved those chestnuts. It was a simple pleasure but one that felt extraordinary, surrounded by the enchantment of the city.

As an adult, I’ve carried that memory with me and found a way to bring it home. Every Winter Solstice, I recreate that magical experience by roasting chestnuts myself, transforming my kitchen into a haven of nostalgia and celebration. With the addition of butter, olive oil, sea salt, and rosemary, I’ve made the recipe my own, but the essence of those childhood moments—the warmth, the wonder, and the connection—remains the same.

Fire-Roasted Chestnuts with Butter, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, and Rosemary

Ingredients (Serves 4):

1 pound fresh chestnuts

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped

- Optional: Additional rosemary sprigs or flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chestnuts:

- Rinse the chestnuts and pat them dry.

- Using a sharp knife, cut a shallow "X" on the flat side of each chestnut. This step keeps them from bursting and makes peeling easier.

2. Mix the Seasoning:

- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, sea salt, and chopped rosemary. Set aside.

3. Roast Over a Fire:

- Place the chestnuts in a cast-iron skillet, chestnut roaster, or a sturdy perforated pan.

- Hold or place the pan over medium heat on an open flame (campfire, fireplace, or stovetop flame). Shake the pan every few minutes for even cooking.

- Roast for 15-30 minutes, until the shells peel back and the nuts are tender, filling the air with their irresistible aroma.

4. Toss with Seasoning:

- Transfer the roasted chestnuts to a heatproof bowl.

- Drizzle with the olive oil and butter mixture. Toss to coat evenly.

5. Serve:

- Serve warm, peeling the shells as you enjoy the seasoned chestnuts.

- Garnish with additional rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra festive touch.

This recipe captures the smoky essence of fire-roasting while the richness of butter, the herbal notes of rosemary, and the crunch of sea salt elevate the flavors. If you can’t roast them over a fire, an oven set to 425°F (220°C) works beautifully, bringing a little piece of the outdoors inside. If you use the oven you’ll need to shake the pan continuously to keep them from burning.

Now, every Winter Solstice, as I roast chestnuts and the aroma fills my home, I’m transported back to those childhood evenings with my parents. The magic of New York during the holidays—the lights, the laughter, the simple joy of sharing warm chestnuts—is something I’ve carried into my own celebrations. It’s a reminder of how the smallest traditions can leave the deepest impressions, and how they connect us to the people and places we love.

Do you have a holiday tradition that sparks these kinds of memories? I’d love to hear how you make this season magical in your own way. 🌲✨🔥