Nov 22, 2010

Feeling Kind of (Chest) Nutty!

First things first, we need a laugh. Remember yesterday when I said that Amanda and I went downtown to take pictures for her friend? While I was snapping shots of Longitude Lane, Amanda took a picture of me. Not only does this picture make me chuckle because I look like a midget, but PLEASE focus your eyes on the lady on the street.  photog
#1 – What is her face?
#2 – Her breasts are touching her belly button. Not okay. If you know this woman, tell her to buy a bra. Moving along…
After dinner last night, my new roommate Lucy asked if I wanted to roast chestnuts. I immediately thought of the Christmas song that goes, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” but giggled because we had to use the oven. I had seen chestnuts being roasted over an open fire (literally) in Rome, but never bought any so I was excited to try them. DSC_1161 Before roasting, Lucy told me that you have to cut an x into the shell.DSC_1163 She showed me how to do a few, then I gave it a go. DSC_1164We scored the whole bag of nuts and roasted them at 400*.. DSC_1175 Twenty minutes later, the shells had peeled open and the actual nut was revealed.DSC_1177 Aren’t they precious? They were ridiculously hot, but I couldn’t resist peeling one open right away.DSC_1185 The first thing I noticed was that they were very starchy! I did some research later and found some interesting facts on chestnuts:
  • Chestnuts can be eaten raw, but can also be roasted, boiled, candied, steamed, or grilled.
  • The texture is similar to that of a potato with a sweet and nutty flavor.
  • Chestnuts can be dried and milled into flour.
  • Chestnuts contain no cholesterol, and very little fat (mostly unsaturated) and no gluten.
  • They are the only “nuts” that contain Vitamin C; 100g contains about 65% of your daily requirement.
Roasting chestnuts was not only festive, but healthy! DSC_1180 My mind is already brewing with thoughts of grinding up some chestnut butter…Has anyone done this? What is your favorite nut to roast or make nut butter with?