Marron Glacé Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) chestnuts 500g (1.1 lb) chestnuts
• 500ml (2 cups) water 500ml (2 cups) water
• 500g (2 ½ cups) granulated sugar 500g (2 ½ cups) granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean 1 vanilla bean
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 50g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Using a sharp knife, make a small incision on the flat side of each chestnut.
2. 2.
   Place the chestnuts in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
3. 3.
   Drain the chestnuts and peel off their shells and inner skins while they are still warm.
4. 4.
   In a clean pot, combine water, sugar, vanilla bean (split lengthwise), and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
5. 5.
   Add the peeled chestnuts to the syrup and cook over low heat for 1 hour, or until the chestnuts become translucent and tender.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from heat and let the chestnuts cool in the syrup overnight.
7. 7.
   The next day, drain the chestnuts and place them on a wire rack to dry for 2-3 hours.
8. 8.
   Once dry, store the Marron Glacé in an airtight container at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chestnuts — Make sure to make a small incision on the flat side of each chestnut before boiling them. This helps to prevent them from bursting during the cooking process.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, you can scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add them to the syrup.
• To enhance the shine of the glaze, you can brush the Marron Glacé with a thin layer of melted apricot jam before serving.
• If the sugar syrup becomes too thick during cooking, you can add a small amount of water to adjust the consistency.
• Store the Marron Glacé in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.

Serving advice

Serve the Marron Glacé as a luxurious dessert on its own or alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. It can also be a delightful addition to a cheese platter or used as a topping for ice cream or cakes.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Marron Glacé on a beautiful serving dish or in individual petit four cases. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.