Castanyadas Around the Region
Look out for a ‘castanyada’ near you, village festival celebrating the sweet chestnut, traditionally held on the 1st November at Toussaint, but a hot treat on any cold day of the year.
Not much beats an autumn walk, a big stick, and a sweet chestnut hunt. Delicious roasted, steamed, pureed, chestnuts are gluten free, low in calories compared to most other nuts, but rich in minerals and vitamins.
Often teamed up with a tasting of the vin nouveau – the first wine of the year.
Have you heard of a castanyada in your town? Let us know : laura@anglophone-direct.com
Thursday 20st October
Saint Cyprien, from 6pm, Place de la République (village)
Friday 28th October
Elne, from 6pm, Place de l’Eglise
Sunday 30th
Banyuls sur Mer, from 3pm, Front de mer
Chocolate Chestnut Pie
Ingredients
– 200g / 7oz shortcrust pastry
– 225g / 8oz cooked chestnuts (steamed or boiled)
– 3 tbsp cocoa powder
– 1 egg, beaten
– 4 tbsp caster sugar
– milk
Method
♣ Preheat the oven to 180C, 350F, Gas Mark 4, roll out pastry thinly and line a flan tin.
♣ Mash chestnuts until smooth in a large mixing bowl.
♣ Stir in the sugar and cocoa and add enough milk to make a thick cream.
♣ Add beaten egg to the bowl, mix well and pour into pastry case.
♣ Bake for 35 – 40 minutes. Serve hot or cold.
