Chestnut Cranberry Pie

Chestnut Cranberry Pie

Description:
Chestnut Cranberry Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the earthy, nutty flavors of roasted chestnuts with the tartness of fresh cranberries. It’s a perfect treat for the fall and holiday season, combining the rich, warm taste of chestnuts with the zing of cranberries. This pie is a wonderful addition to any festive table or a cozy winter evening.

History:
The history of Chestnut Cranberry Pie is a bit elusive, but it likely evolved from traditional holiday pies. Chestnuts have been enjoyed as a seasonal treat for centuries, especially in Europe and North America, where they were roasted and added to various dishes. Cranberries, on the other hand, are native to North America and have a long history of being used in culinary preparations by indigenous peoples. Combining these two ingredients into a pie likely arose as a creative twist on traditional recipes.

Components:
To prepare a Chestnut Cranberry Pie, you’ll need the following components:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup roasted chestnuts, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting the filling)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Steps to Prepare Chestnut Cranberry Pie:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
3. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.
5. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted chestnuts, fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3: Preheat and Assemble

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the chilled pie dough on a floured surface to fit your pie pan.
3. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie pan.
4. Pour the chestnut-cranberry filling into the pie crust.
5. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.

Step 4: Add the Top Crust

1. Roll out a second piece of pie dough for the top crust.
2. You can create a lattice pattern or simply cover the pie with the dough, making sure to cut a few slits for steam to escape.
3. Seal the edges of the crust by crimping them with a fork.

Step 5: Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to create an egg wash.
2. Brush the top crust with the egg wash.

Step 6: Bake

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing.
2. Serve your delicious Chestnut Cranberry Pie either warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Time Needed:
Preparing Chestnut Cranberry Pie will take approximately 2 hours, including preparation and baking time. It’s a labor of love that’s well worth the effort, especially for special occasions or holiday gatherings. Enjoy!

Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Chestnut Cranberry Pie. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 425
• Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 72mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 27g
• Protein: 4g

Health Information:

1. Moderate in Calories: Chestnut Cranberry Pie is moderately high in calories, with each serving providing around 425 calories. This makes it a dessert best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

2. High in Total Fat: The pie contains a significant amount of total fat, mainly from the butter in the crust and filling. It’s important to consume high-fat desserts like this sparingly, as excessive fat intake can contribute to weight gain and heart health issues.

3. Saturated Fat: Saturated fat content is quite high in this dessert, primarily due to the butter in the pie crust. High saturated fat intake should be limited as it is linked to heart disease.

4. Cholesterol: The pie contains a moderate amount of cholesterol. A diet high in cholesterol can contribute to heart health concerns, so it’s advisable to consume this dessert in moderation.

5. Sodium: The sodium content in the pie is relatively moderate. It’s essential to monitor sodium intake, especially if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet.

6. Carbohydrates: Chestnut Cranberry Pie is carbohydrate-rich, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the pie crust and sugar in the filling. Carbohydrates provide energy but should be consumed in moderation, especially for those managing their blood sugar.

7. Dietary Fiber: While this pie does contain some dietary fiber, it’s not a significant source. Fiber is essential for digestive health, so be sure to balance this dessert with fiber-rich foods in your overall diet.

8. Sugars: The pie has a relatively high sugar content due to the cranberries and added sugar in the filling. Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and dental problems, so limit your consumption of sugary desserts.

9. Protein: Chestnut Cranberry Pie provides a small amount of protein. However, it’s not a substantial source of this essential nutrient.

In summary, Chestnut Cranberry Pie is a delicious dessert to enjoy occasionally, especially during special occasions or holidays. However, due to its high calorie, fat, and sugar content, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, consider adjusting the recipe to make it more suitable for your needs, such as using lower-fat crust options or reducing sugar.