Roasting Chestnuts on an Open Fire

Who knew that in the hills over looking Palo Alto lies a chestnut orchard that allows you to fulfill the ultimate in traditional winter imagery? Skyline Chestnuts is one of the oldest chestnut orchards on the West Coast, a place where you can grab a bucket, a pair of glove, and pick your way to roasted chestnut bliss for just $5 a pound. But hurry, time is short when it comes to picking these hearty, protein-filled treasures. The orchard is only open on weekends from 9am to 5pm until the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Thanks to Weekend Sherpa who alerted us to this little-known spot. They even revealed owner Hans Johsens' secret to roasting (found on the backside of Skyline Chestnuts business cards!):

Get a chestnut pan with holes in the bottom (he sells them for $15), cut an X on the back of the chestnuts, drizzle a little olive oil in a pan, and cook over an open fire.

Voila! Memories in the making.

Skyline Chestnuts
22322 Skyline Blvd.
La Honda, CA 94020
408.395.0337
www.skylinechestnuts.com