We have our lovely Valaisan neighbors to thank for this autumnal delight. Brisolée is a traditional autumn “meal” shared at the end of harvest season that consists of roasted chestnuts, local cured meats and cheeses, and of course local wine.
If you can’t make the incredible Brisolée event at our tried-and-true favorite spot Caveau Corto in Grandvaux, then why not prepare your own brisolée-themed picnic? We tried it out ourselves, even roasting the chestnuts outside on an open fire, and it was pure magic. Scout out a spot lakeside or in the vineyards, pack up some local fare and your Swiss-army knife, and enjoy!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chestnuts
- Local dried meats & cheeses
- Nuts & seasonal fruit
- Lots of local wine
- Wood for a fire
- Matches
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitt (the handle of the cast iron will get really hot)
- Swiss-Army knife
- (don’t forget your blanket, wine opener, cups, etc.)
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Before heading to your picnic spot, make sure to sort the chestnuts by putting them in a sink filled with water. If they float to the top, that means they’re bad (rotten or have worms inside–ew).
- Once you’ve located the perfect (and safest/most legal) place to build your fire, make sure to split your chestnuts with a knife before cooking them.
- Put your chestnuts in the pan and cover with aluminum foil. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes according to their size.
- Serve immediately with all of your meat and cheese and fruit goodies. Sip on that crisp local white and take in the sights around you. Exhale. Life is good.
