I love Christmas.

I love Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” and Wham’s “Last Christmas” playing non-stop on the radio. I love frosted tree branches on my morning commute. I love playing carols on the piano while my kids pretend to participate. I love feeling warm by a fire next to my favorite friends and family while watching Home Alone.

And what’s more Christmas than chestnuts roasted over an open fire . . . or (more safely per Fireman Jun) roasted in your oven?

Don’t be a carb hater

Chestnuts are different than other nuts because they aren’t your typical source of protein and fat, but mostly a complex carbohydrate.

Don’t be a Carb Hater, however.

When consuming carbohydrates, think SLOW CARB not low carb.

Slow-burning carbohydrates are your best friend because they are typically packed full of fiber and whole nutrition that leads to even-keel release of insulin into your system, preventing ups and downs in the blood sugar. This keeps you feeling full and prevents weight gain!

Fiber is also super helpful in bulking up the stools. Most Americans get just a fraction of the 40+ grams of fiber we need each day.

build your immune system

In addition to fiber, chestnuts are a great source of Vitamin C and copper. Both Vitamin C and copper help to

Protect our bodies from infection by supporting our immune systems
Maintain structural integrity in our tissues
Help us absorb iron from our foods
Chestnuts might be exactly what the doctor ordered this time of year!

how to eat chestnuts

Roasted chestnuts are amazing when they are warm as a filling snack.

They also refrigerate well and can be diced up and added to seriously everything from your morning oatmeal to your lunchtime salad to your evening lentil stew.

how to roast chestnuts

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees and place your roasting pan or cast-iron skillet in the oven to warm.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut an X in each raw chestnut. This allows for expansion while they roast.
Place cut chestnuts on the pre-heated roasting pan or cast-iron pan in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and place roasted chestnuts in an old towel, twist hard until you hear them crackle, and keep wrapped for an additional 10 minutes.
Peel and enjoy!