featherynscale: Schmendrick the magician from The Last Unicorn (Default)
featherynscale ([personal profile] featherynscale) wrote2007-11-29 10:52 am

And while we're on the subject

While we're on the subject of things I'm not sure if anybody actually does, have any of you ever actually roasted chestnuts on an open fire? What's the benefit of this?

[identity profile] kenllama.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 05:19 pm (UTC)(link)
I haven't, though I can attest that roasted chestnuts are fantastic. (In England the are common street-cart-vendor fare in winter.)

I *have* roasted potatoes on an open fire, without benefit of insulators like aluminum foil. This was *not* a good idea, but it's what we had available at the time. By the time the insides were cooked, the outer centimeter or so was completely inedibly charred. (Guy Fawkes Night, 2004)

[identity profile] otterkin.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 07:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Actually, in the Gospel According to Laura, that's just the thing to do. The charred outside is considered the price of the bonfire potato. Just be sure to prick it, or you could end up with scalding hot exploded potato all over your face like Almanzo did.

[identity profile] saffronhare.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 07:56 pm (UTC)(link)
::facepalm::

Laura Ingalls Wilder, right?

[identity profile] kenllama.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 08:05 pm (UTC)(link)
ah, yes, i bet you're right.

(why is laura bush the only one i could think of...?)

[identity profile] auraseer.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 05:30 pm (UTC)(link)
I've tried. It was inconvenient and a bit dangerous. The oven, even a toaster oven, is far superior.

I think the only purpose is that it's a traditional thing to do in winter when you have a fire going. (Fun fact: the song was originally intended to talk about marshmallows roasting, but that didn't scan as well.)

[identity profile] lightonthesill.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 05:46 pm (UTC)(link)
I believe zerself did experiments in this area last year.

[identity profile] featherynscale.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 05:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Heh. For a moment, when this came through emailed comments, I thought you were responding to my earlier question. :)

[identity profile] otterkin.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
*snerk!*

[identity profile] grmrefr.livejournal.com 2007-11-29 05:51 pm (UTC)(link)
though i have never roasted them, i do know it is done and have heard that they are tasty.

i also found this article that gives more information.

http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0282.htm

enjoy!!

[identity profile] diermuid.livejournal.com 2007-11-30 05:40 pm (UTC)(link)
I prefer licking the chest nuts in front of an open fire, nuzzled together on a lambskin throw. Jack frost need not be invited, I'm not looking to add a third wheel.