In my book, very few things embody the essence of winter, like the aroma of roasted chestnuts. And, despite not having vast experience eating chestnuts from a very young age, their smell has always captivated me.
But, this year, I'm bringing chestnuts to our, and hopefully your Christmas table. And yes, for recipe was inspired by a delightful chestnut cake I savored many years ago in Madeira.

Anyway, infusing my own twist into this recipe, I'm excited to share these delicious and fluffy chestnut cupcakes, a perfect blend of memory and creativity. So let's begin!

How to Make Chestnut Cupcakes

• Preheat the oven to 180°C. Make a cross incision on each chestnut and place them in a baking tray with a cup of water. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then let them cool at room temp.
• In a mixer, beat the egg whites with lemon juice for 2-3 minutes until stiff peaks form.

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• In another bowl, mix room temp butter with vanilla, sugar, and egg yolks.

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• Peel the chestnuts and process them in a food processor until they turn into a chunky flour.

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• Add to the yolk mixture along with baking powder and vanilla essence.

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• Then, gently fold in the egg whites.
• Stir in the chopped dried apricots until well combined.

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• Grease a muffin tray with oil or cooking spray and place paper muffin cups in it. Fill each cup with the batter.

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• Bake at 160°C for 35-40 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

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• Optional: Melt dark chocolate with a tbsp of milk and drizzle over the cooled cupcakes.

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Exploring Chestnuts

Chestnuts and Their Origin: Chestnuts, unlike other nuts, have a soft, starchy texture and sweet flavor. They are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Chestnuts vs Hazelnuts: While both are popular, chestnuts differ from hazelnuts in taste, texture, and culinary uses. Hazelnuts are crunchier and often used in desserts and chocolates. In contrast, chestnuts are softer and more versatile in both sweet and savory dishes.

Nutritional Benefits: Chestnuts are low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

FAQs

Before we wrap things up, let's take a look at the most frequently asked questions regarding chestnuts.

Q: Are chestnuts good for you? 

A: Absolutely! They offer a range of health benefits, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Q: Can chestnuts be eaten raw? 

A: Yes, but they taste better when cooked, as roasting enhances their sweet flavor.

Q: What are chestnuts good for? 

A: Chestnuts are versatile in cooking and offer nutritional benefits, making them great for both sweet and savory dishes.

Q: When to pick chestnuts? 

A: The best time to pick chestnuts is in the fall when they fall naturally from the trees.

Conclusion

With everything said and done, let's embrace the warmth and flavor of chestnuts this holiday season. From chestnut cake recipes to exploring how to eat chestnuts, there's a world of culinary delights waiting. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with the joy of cooking and the delightful aroma of roasted chestnuts!