Marroni al Liquore

I wish I had better pictures of this, but frankly, the liqueur is sitting in my cupboard in a glass container. It's not exactly photogenic. But, once it has finished curing on December 5th, I'll be sure to post a few shots.

Italian Chestnut (left) and a Korean Chestnut (right)

The Korean chestnuts turned out to be a bit of a dud. I just couldn't get them to peel correctly. They were too moist, really.

Peeling an Italian Chestnut

Right now, I can tell you that I'm loving the vanilla beans suspended in the liquid! Pure heaven, I tells you.

Liquid Gold!

I should warn you, this isn't a full strength liqueur - you do simmer the brandy with the spices for 1 minute.

Marroni al Liquore

(Canadian Living)

Ingredients

1-1/2 1-1/2cups cups(375 mL) (375 mL) granulated sugar  

1 1cup cup(250 mL) (250 mL) water  

4 4whole allspice  

2 2clovecloves  

2 2bay leafbay leaves  

1 1half halfvanilla beanvanilla beans, split lengthwise

2-1/2 2-1/2cups cups(625 mL) (625 mL) prepared chestnuts  

1 1bottle bottlebrandy (750 mls)

Preparation:

In wide saucepan, bring sugar, water, allspice, cloves, bay leaves and vanilla bean to boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Stir in chestnuts; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Stir in brandy and bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Skim off any foam. Discard allspice, cloves, bay leaves and vanilla bean. Using slotted spoon, divide chestnuts among six 1-cup (250 mL) canning jars. Pour syrup over top. Seal jars with lids; let stand in cool dark place for 2 weeks before using. (Make-ahead: Store for up to 2 months.)