In 1946, the second world war was winding down, and Nat King Cole recorded what would become one of the most famous holiday songs of all time. “The Christmas Song” starts out with the unforgettable lyrics, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” creating an indelible image of simpler times before (Al Gore invented) the internet, and even television figured less prominently in family activities.
We’re not likely to return to the days of dads going to work in suits (and having a scotch and a cigar in the office) while mom stays home in her housedress baking cookies and starching collars, but it’s still possible to capture the essence of those times, while bringing the family closer and creating a tradition that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
Gather the family together, turn off the TV and all those distracting electronics, and be sociable. Tell jokes and laugh. Sing. And roast chestnuts. Yes, chestnuts. I suppose you could have popcorn or even beef jerky for that matter. But chestnuts just seem like a special, seasonal treat. When I saw the chestnut roaster at Jacob Bromwell, it immediately took me back 25+ years, to a family gathering with my brother and sister, before we were all married with kids. I can’t recall what we had for dinner, but I remember the roasted chestnuts like it was yesterday. Back then, I didn’t know that they had more protein per weight than an egg, or that they contain no cholesterol and only 5% fat. Nutrition wasn’t a concern. They were warm, yummy, and the kind of infrequent treat that everyone looks forward to.
If you’re looking for a unique gift this holiday season, one that can be used and enjoyed by the whole family, and will last for years to come, check out Jacob Bromwell’s Signature Chestnut Roaster. Like the other authentic cookware they offer, it’s all made in the US, as they’ve been doing since 1819.
– Brian