Pan-Roasted Winter Fruits

By Andrew Hunter
For The Family Table, a blog for busy families

Yukon Gold potatoes are included in this trio of winter fruits because their flesh is slightly sweeter than other potatoes. The combination of potatoes, apples, pears and chestnuts roasted in butter and olive oil produces a side dish that’s both sweet and savory and a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meal. Marilyn and I have been making it during the holidays for years.

The boys think it’s strange to take perfectly crisp and cool apples and pears and make them soft and warm. I understand their logic but think they’ll grow into the idea as their tastes mature.

Not surprisingly though, they spoon the butter and olive oil out of the bottom of their bowl to season their meat. You should too. The fat, slowly simmered with fruit and potatoes, is sweet and delicious. They call it apple gravy.

For leftovers, add the mixture to omelets or pancakes, or just serve warm with scrambled eggs. I hope this winter roast will become a tradition in your house too.

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Pan-Roasted Potatoes, Apples, Pears & Chestnuts

1 lemon, juiced
8 Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
4 Granny Smith apples, quartered and cored
4 Bartlett pears, quartered and cored
8 ounces roasted chestnuts, halved (available in the holiday section of most grocery stores)
1 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Squeeze lemon juice into a large bowl with about a quart of cold water. Cut potatoes and place in the bowl of water.
2. Drain the potatoes, pat dry with paper towels, and place in a 13- x 9-inch roasting pan. Pour the melted butter and oil over the potatoes and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
3. While the potatoes are roasting, cut and core the apples and pears. Add the fruit to the roasting pan, stir gently to mix and roast for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re tender. Add the chestnut and roast for another 5 minutes.
4. Remove roasting pan from the oven. Once cool enough to taste, season with salt and pepper. Serve in a large bowl.

Makes 8 servings

Note: Roasted chestnuts are available in the holiday section of most grocery stores.

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