How to make it

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Score the shell of each nut halfway around and spread in a deep roasting pan.
  • Roast 25 minutes, until tender.
  • Peel away the shells and the inner skin, chop roughly and set in a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  • Add sugar and Grand Marnier.
  • Bring to a brisk simmer and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring constantly, until very thick. Add 1-2 tbsp of water if required to prevent burning.
  • Remove from heat and beat in 1 tbsp vanilla, then allow to cool 15 minutes.
  • Mash the nuts slightly against the side of the pot until they are the consistency of chopped peanuts. Set aside and cool completely.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 10" springform pan and line the bottom with parchment.
  • In a large bowl, using electric beaters, combine cheeses, brown sugar, eggs and orange zest until fluffy.
  • Combine vanilla, water and cornstarch in a small dish until smooth, then beat into the cheese mixture.
  • By hand, using a spatula, slightly fold in the candied chestnuts. Do not mix thoroughly, it should look like a ripple.
  • Scrape mixture into the pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 45 minutes, then cover the pan with aluminum foil. Bake a further 15 minutes.
  • Turn off oven, leaving cake inside, and let sit 1 hour.
  • Remove from oven, run a knife around the edge of the cake, and chill completely before unmoulding.
Candying chestnuts   Close
Caramelized nuts   Close

Reviews & Comments 8

Add a Link?

Post a link to another recipe or group by pasting the url into the box where you want it to show up. We'll do the rest.

Post Message or cancel
    " It was excellent "
    herby ate it and said...
    I like this!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    ahmed1 ate it and said...
    sounds delicious Sarah!!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
  • elgab89 15 years ago
    HO HO HO! Christmas! High 5!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
  • pieplate 15 years ago
    This looks excellent. I have been hoarding some peeled chestnuts from France, waiting waiting for some place where they would really shine. I like the (relative) lightness of the ricotta cheese. Who needs crust?!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
  • 55to64 15 years ago
    A real holiday showstopper! I'll be looking at this one very seriously for the upcoming season!

    Thank you for posting.
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    peetabear ate it and said...
    this is great... i can't wait to try it... almost chestnut season! ^5
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
    " It was excellent "
    magali777 ate it and said...
    wow, this is great! thanks for sharing!
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag
  • jo_jo_ba 15 years ago
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories: 253.1
    Total Fat: 13.7 g
    Cholesterol: 77.4 mg
    Sodium: 67.7 mg
    Total Carbs: 20.4 g
    Dietary Fiber: 0.0 g
    Protein: 7.9 g
    Was this review helpful? Yes Flag

Maybe List
Hang onto this recipe

while I look at others.

Holding 0 recipes