Sunday, November 18, 2012

"La Castagna" and......

La Castagna, Italian for the chestnut. This is the time of year when these little delicacies are with us. For those who have never experienced them roasted and served warm you have been missing something wonderful. But roasted chestnuts are not the only way to enjoy them. They can be used in soups, salads, and Thanksgiving stuffing. One my favorite ways of serving them is in a risotto. Cut the roasted peeled chestnuts and saute them in olive oil flavored with garlic. Then add them at the finish of your risotto.


And now for another favorite. Franks and baked beans. This is a pretty basic and simple dish. Key here is the best franks you can get. Local made companies making natural casing franks are what you should use, skip the Ball Park and other skinless variety franks. Also if your fortunate to have a family recipe for baked beans they are the best to accompany your franks. If not you can try my alternative. B&M baked beans, I add my own ingredients to them. Fried bacon, onions, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Do not boil the beans on the stove, gently warm them slowly.

"Muckes" natural casing franks. "Local" Do not boil. In a cast iron skillet gently grill the franks til they are hot.


Serve them along side your baked beans. "Enjoy"

CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE


17 comments:

  1. Brk Trt, nice post!
    Those two classic & legendary food items are wonderful. Roasted chestnuts and franks & beans. What better?
    Those Franks are very nice looking. You said they are local, but where can you buy them?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DRYFLYGUY,
      Thanks.
      Around central CT they can be purchased at Stop and Shop, Big Y, and several independent markets.

      Delete
  2. The franks and beans can't be beat! We cook franks and beans when we are ice fishing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Savage,
      Thanks.
      They would be a welcomed meal on the ice, and easy to prepare.

      Delete
  3. Alan
    The Chestnuts are excellent and as always the dogs and beans are one of my favorites. Wonder how the Chestnuts would be ground in the blender and sprinkled over a salad, could work????

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bil Trussell,
      Thanks.
      After they're roasted and peeled, a salad is a great place for them.

      Delete
  4. I hate to admit it , but I've never tried chestnuts...roasted or any other way. Guess I'm going to have to come out of my shell (literally) and try them after such rave reviews from a culinary artist like yourself!
    On the other hand I can't imagine any self-respecting fisherman not enjoying franks and beans , especially with some good looking dogs like those.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HighPlainsFlyFisher,
      Thanks.
      I think you might like them. And I agree with you on the franks and beans.

      Delete
  5. Alan, after all this time I've finally learned to eat first and then read your posts. Now I can continue reading and not run upstairs and eat something.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mark Kautz,
      Thanks.
      You solved that problem. Seeing food has the same effect on me.

      Delete
  6. I don't believe I've ever eaten chestnuts either. Don't even know if you can get them in Colorado. But Beanies and Wienies has always been a staple for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. cofisher,
      Thanks.
      I think you should be able to find them. Try um buddy.

      Delete
  7. Hi Alan....I grew up in an Irish and Italian neighborhood and have chestnuts every since I can remember. There are many things (dandelions, fried bologna, etc.)that I ate because I was over one of my friends who was Italian.

    Of course living in Boston baked beans were a given as well as brown bread. Hot dogs used to be a staple in my diet but not so much now.

    When is the food blog going to be published?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ed,
      Thanks.
      Fried bologna, now there's a blog feature. They call Boston "bean town" for a reason.

      Delete
  8. Hi Alan,
    You have got me interested to try out roasted chestnuts.
    Great looking franks and beans!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Peter Patenaude,
      Thanks.
      Some folks do them on a gas grill, or wood coals.
      You might want to try them.

      Delete