“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...”
This opening line of the Christmas carol, "The Christmas Song" is well known by those who love Christmas and Christmas carols. In fact, I have been singing the words to this song for as long as I can remember! What's funny though is I had absolutely no idea of what a chestnut was or how it tasted! That changed a few months ago during my trip to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia!
In Croatia, chestnuts are in season during this time of year. They’re on display and available for purchase in all the grocery stores and you don't have to go too far to find a street vendor roasting and selling these yummy treats. As my luck would have it, hunger and opportunity coincided during my October trip to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. I figured there was no time like the present to try the nuts so synonymous with the holiday season that they'd been written into a Christmas song!
I handed my 20 Kuna (equivalent to approximately $3.25 USD) to the street vendor and excitedly delved into my newest food adventure! I peeled off the shells and took a bite. Mmm, soft in texture. Nice roasted flavor. But what do they remind me of? I will admit, I couldn't quite put my finger on it the first time I tried them. I’ve now indulged in chestnuts a few times since then and I’ve finally figured out what they taste like: CORNBREAD! Who would’ve thought?
I am so glad I took a chance on trying chestnuts! They are such a comforting and delicious winter treat. I’ll now be singing "The Christmas Song" with a better appreciation and real memories of enjoying roasted chestnuts!
Click here to check out my real time reaction to eating chestnuts for the first time!
'Till next time, adventurers!