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Sunday
Dec182011

Braised Chestnuts & Brussels Sprouts with Thyme **My Camera is For Sale**

Well after listening to Bing Crosby croon Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire for the one hundredth time I trotted over to my grocery, filled a sack full and roasted my own chestnuts over an open...well... oven. Oh how I love watching them roast, their smooth, umber colored skin curls back, like a leaf awaiting its fall, revealing the esteemed holiday treasure. 
Roasted chestnuts are delicious on their own but braising them adds a whole new dimension of flavor. I almost want to change the song to "Chestnuts braising in some wine and herbs", but I am not sure that will go over well with the public, or the children.
Alas I will sing my own tune here in the kitchen and enjoy this dish in all its savory glory. I bid you all a blessed and happy week as you gird your loins in preparation of the festivities and egg nog ahead!
Thank you for all of the inquiries!! The camera has been SOLD!

Braised Chestnuts & Brussels Sprouts with Thyme (serves 6, side dish portions)

  • 2 cups of chestnuts, roasted and peeled
  • 2 cups of brussels sprouts, stems trimmed and cut in half
  • 2 TBS butter/ghee
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup vegetable stock
  • 1 1/2 TBS fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. 

Add chestnuts and brussels sprouts and saute for about 10 minutes.

Add wine, stock, and thyme. Reduce heat and braise, stirring occasionally for about 20-30 minutes or until most of the liquid has reduced and vegetables are tender. 

Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.

Enjoy!

Reader Comments (39)

Hello Coco. I recently updated to a Canon 60D this year. I know how attached we all get to our cameras and offering it up to food bloggers will ensure another loving home of food and photo aficionados! I'm going to do a brussel sprout and dried cranberry dish for Xmas but perhaps I should throw in some roasted chestnuts too! Merry Christmas ~Sarah
Dec 18, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterSnippets of Thyme
OMG! I want your camera so badly but my piggy bank is on the low sides these days ;( lovely dish!!!
Dec 18, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle
Just sent a note through contact - let me know if its still available :)
Dec 18, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterbrianne
I am interested in your camera, sending a note now.
Dec 18, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterThomas
Scrumptious! I'm going to do something very similar for Christmas.

Cheers,

Rosa
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRosa
I've really fallen for chestnuts this year. For me, the sweet and starchy character is such a pleasure in dishes like this or especially soups and stews. Chestnuts and Brussels sprouts are a beautiful combination.
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterla domestique
I just bought a camera. But anyhow nice recipe.

http://missbobino.blogspot.com
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterThe Life After
I would really like your camera, but it looks like someone already snatched it up!
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAcacia
Gorgeous, as always! <3
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterVanessa
It seems an unusual combination but why not !!?? Love your pictures !
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterargone
mmmm brussels :) whats the new cam? xx happy holidays coco
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterNicole Franzen
I can't believe I've never eaten chestnuts before, they look SO yummy!
Hehehe, you said "gird your loins." ;)

This looks FABULOUS as always and I am seriously going to move in when you're not looking.
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterBev Weidner
That sounds like a great Christmas dish! I may have to try it as I love brussel sprouts.
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMelissa
I have chestnuts and have been trying to think of something fun to do with them. I believe this is it!! Although, just roasting them is quite delicious as well!! :) YAY for moving on to a new camera. I'm ready for the switch, but holding off awhile longer. As always, your photos are gorgeous + inspirational. The text you incorporate into the photos is always simple and so well done. Love!
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAshley
What a wonderful recipe. I actually love brussels sprouts. I take it with this current sale that you may be upgrading to a different model?
If so, how exciting and I can't wait to see new photos. I'm so amazed by your work, I can only imagine how each image will look with newer gear.
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered Commentertru
Thanks everyone! The camera has sold.

Nicole and Tru- I got the Canon 5d Mark II....super excited!!
Dec 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterCoco
I love Brussels sprouts! This is a delicious combination of flavours. Merry Christmas and best of health for the new year to you and your husband Caitlin! xx
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMaria @ ScandiFoodie
some of my favorite ingredients in one dish. must try this C!
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterCannelle Et vanille
Ah, your photos always make me swoon. Seriously. I love stopping by your blog. And, congrats on the new camera!
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered Commentersarah
Hmmm, never thought of combining brussel sprouts and chestnuts. I mean, I love chestnuts...but not sure I feel the same way for brussel srpouts. However, you Coco, make everything look sexy and rustic - do these even go together? Sexy and rustic?? LOL!
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJen Laceda
If you can believe it, for some reason I've not yet *had* chestnuts at all. Not common in my family, obviously! But this sounds like a perfect way to try them out, as I love all of the other ingredients and think that what I've heard describing chestnuts' flavor and texture would make them an ideal companion in the dish. Thank you for another tempting and beautifully presented dish!
Kathryn
Dec 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKathryn Sparks
Hey Coco,

I've bumped into your blog just some days ago. You created the best looking food blog I 've ever seen. Really. So minimalistic, yet not too cold. Love it. And the pictures of course - so much to learn just from looking.
The last picture of brussel sprouts makes me want to give them one last try, even though from all the food on this planet, I only really hate this particular veg ;)
Dec 20, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMarta
The best! Happy Holidays!
Dec 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMadhu
How delightful this looks. Brussel sprouts are super and then you put them alongside some chestnuts - wow! Wishing you a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.
This looks fantastic. I like the combination of creamy chestnuts and hearty Brussels Sprouts!
Dec 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterGretchen
so simple yet looks so delicious!
Dec 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRachel
It is nice that so many folks were interested in your camera--perhaps hoping that they could recreate some of the wonderful food photos you have--as if the magic will just wear off right onto the camera! People often see the cameras we tote around and say things like, "Wow, that must take really good pictures!" Well, the truth is that if one has no idea how to use it, one is likely better off with a basic point and shoot instead of the fancy, fancy cameras! It's not like buying the super fastest car will allow one to drive like Mario Andretti overnight--nor would it be practical to practice on the freeways. The true gift you offer to us is in your eyes and heart--I love your photography and realize it's not simply about the camera. (New cameras are exciting and inspiring though!)

Mmm, brussels sprouts and chestnuts. I just tried a little mix with brussels sprouts and hazelnuts and it was quite nice too. I've always wanted to buy chestnuts, but I was never sure what to do with them (roast them over an open fire? Not so much!). I might try this next time I stumble across chestnuts in the store! Thanks!
Dec 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJennifer L.
Brussels Sprouts are one of my absolute favorite veggies! Your recipe sounds simply divine. I actually never cooked with chestnuts yet - you have inspired me. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!!
It's such a pity I don't like chestnuts!!

http://missbobino.blogspot.com
Dec 24, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterThe Life After
Gorgeous, gorgeous photos! Mhmm I love chestnuts and brussels sprouts. I'll definitely be trying this (: Happy Holidays.
Dec 26, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterkyleen
What a scrumptious recipe! I haven't tried something like this but so many of these flavors are my fans!
just found your site after following a great photo trail across numerous blogs... LOVE your photos, food and, uh.... whole site?!! def feeling inspired culinary and visually inspired! had to let you know
Dec 29, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterELLEN
I just got a 5D mark II too! Don't you just love it? I was in awe from the first photo.
Dec 29, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterStephanie
new to your blog, great photos love your style!! good luck!
Dec 30, 2011 | Unregistered Commentermy lovely mess
I fell in love with your blog, beautiful pictures, styling, it looks delicious I am hungry! congrats
Dec 30, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterEstefania Mendivil
Your blog is simply beautiful and I say that from the heart! Your food photography and recipes have me wishing that I could be better at cooking.
I am definetly going to become a regular visiter on roost.
Jan 4, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterKatie
i adore your blog and your styling, so lovely to have stumbled upon this place of beauty.
best,
alison rae
http://darlingclementines.blogspot.com/
Jan 10, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterAlison Rae

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