As the crisp air settles in and autumn leaves dance outside the window, Nonna Pia returns to one of her coziest traditions — roasting chestnuts, just like she did back in her village in southern Italy. There’s something magical about this simple ritual. With the scent of chestnuts drifting through the house and the sound of them crackling over the fire, it instantly feels like the holiday season has begun.
For Nonna, roasting chestnuts isn’t just about food — it’s about memory, family, and the quiet joy of slowing down. She still uses her old cast-iron pan, worn from decades of love, with tiny holes punched into the bottom to let the flames kiss each nut. Whether over an open flame or in a hot oven, she roasts them until their shells crack open and their golden, tender insides are perfectly warm and sweet.
While they roast, she hums an old Italian lullaby, sharing stories of how chestnuts were once a winter staple — eaten on cold nights, gathered in baskets, and shared with neighbors. “They kept us full, and they brought us together,” she says with a smile.
Once ready, Nonna wraps the roasted chestnuts in a kitchen towel and lets them steam just a bit, making them easier to peel. Then it’s time to gather ‘round, peel them with slightly burnt fingers, and enjoy their earthy sweetness — bite by bite.
So if you’ve never tried it, now’s the time to bring a little old-world comfort into your home. Roasting chestnuts, Nonna Pia-style, is more than just a snack — it’s an experience, one filled with warmth, love, and the simple pleasure of tradition
