Once ubiquitous throughout the United States, an unthinkable plague killed almost all of our grand Chesnut trees. Jupiter is the planet of proliferation, abundance and largeness. If the Chesnut tree, whose diameter could be as great as 17 feet, didn’t epitomize the qualities of Jupiter, I don’t know what did. Sagittarius’ heart, appetite and mind are as large as the trunk of a Chestnut tree. They will drink till there’s no tomorrow. They will dance through the soles of their shoes. They will pick up the gigundo bar tab. They will eat all seven courses of their six course meal. They will heavy pour when mixing your drink. They will stay out ’til dawn, and then go to an after hours club. This is a sign with not a whole lot of limits, and a soft spot for anything decadent. Hence, Sagg will delight in this rich, cream-based cocktail.

CHESTNUT CHILLIN’ (CHESTNUT TODDY)

INGREDIENTS:
- 1 oz Chestnut Syrup
- 1 oz Scotch
- 1 oz SILK soy creamer or real cream
- 12 chestnuts

INSTRUCTIONS:
Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add Scotch, SILK creamer or cream, chestnut syrup and shake. Strain into frosted martini glass. Slit a whole chestnut for garnish (baked or raw).

* CHESTNUT SYRUP:
Bake 12 chestnuts in oven. Slit the pointed end of
each nut with an X. Place on baking tray and bake on 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Allow to cool, peeling shell and skin from the nuts. Chop coarsely and place in sauce pot with 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar. Bring to boil, stir, and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. Strain into final storage container, adding 1 oz vodka as a preservative. Store in
fridge.
***pureed or vacuum sealed chestnuts may be substituted in the off season.

ALSO TRY: Caramelized Chestnuts & Chocolate Fondue

(Recipe created by Gwen Sutherland Kaiser)