Best Drunken Chestnuts Recipes

CASHEW SHRIMP WITH WATER CHESTNUTS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, place 2 cups warm water and add 1 teaspoon salt; stir to dissolve. Place the shrimp in the salt water and swirl. Leave the shrimp in salt water for 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water, drain and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut the shrimp into 3/4 inch diced pieces.
• Mix all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
• Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Place the celery and carrots in boiling water for 1 minute. Remove from heat and rinse with cold water until cooled. Set aside.
• Heat the oil to 325 degrees F.
• Fry cashews until light brown (watch carefully as they burn easily). Drain on paper towel.
• Add the diced shrimp to the oil and blanch for 5 seconds. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon from oil and remove oil from the wok.
• Reheat wok until hot and add minced garlic and all the diced vegetables. Add the diced shrimp, sprinkle with the rice wine and stir-fry for 10 seconds. Add the sauce mixture and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove to platter and sprinkle cashews over top. Serve.

CRISPY SCALLOPS WITH FRESH WATER CHESTNUTS

Steps:

• In a large wok heat oil to almost the smoking point. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and dredge in cornstarch. Add to the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove scallops and drain on paper towels. Next add the chiles, water chestnuts, scallions, and mushrooms. Cook until tender. Add the red wine vinegar, sugar and ginger. Stir to incorporate. Garnish with Thai basil, cilantro and cucumber slices seasoned with salt.

DRUNKEN NUTS (SALLYE)

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350º
• 2. Prepare cookie sheet lined with parchment paper
• 3. In a cast iron skillet (or heavy saucepan), melt butter over medium high heat. Add sugar and stir costantly until sugar dissolves and mixture is well blended. Be careful not to burn.
• 4. Remove from heat, add vanilla and whiskey.
• 5. Add pecans and coat thoroughly, then turn out onto lined cookie sheet.
• 6. Cook for 10-15 minutes until toasted. (Your nose will tell you when they're done).

BOILED CHESTNUTS

Steps:

• In a large pot add enough water to cover the chestnuts and bring to a boil. Add the chestnuts and cook for approximately 45 minutes. Drain the chestnuts and peel off the outer shells.