: Often served as a dessert topped with whipped cream, this is a staple in Balkan pastry shops. : In Istria, maruni are used for marunjača , a traditional cake filled with rich chestnut paste. Modern Twists : You can find modern variations like No-Bake Chestnut Cakes

: Before any heat touches the nut, you must use a sharp knife to cut a small "X" or a slit into the shell. This allows steam to escape; otherwise, they will explode. kesteni

: For easier peeling, wrap the hot, roasted chestnuts in a towel for a few minutes after cooking. This steams the skins slightly, making them slip right off. Beyond the Roast: Culinary Uses : Often served as a dessert topped with

Gathering kesteni is a beloved family tradition. If you find yourself in the woods this October, look for the spiky "burrs" on the ground. Once they split open, they reveal the shiny brown nuts inside. Just be sure you are picking edible sweet chestnuts and not horse chestnuts, which are toxic to humans! This allows steam to escape; otherwise, they will explode

In Croatia, the most prized variety is the , particularly those from the slopes of Učka Mountain . Maruni are larger and sweeter than regular chestnuts, celebrated annually during festivals like the Kestenijada . How to Prepare "Pečni Kesteni" (Roasted Chestnuts)

The Spirit of Autumn: A Guide to "Kesteni" In many parts of Southeast Europe, particularly Croatia and Bosnia, the arrival of autumn is not marked by the calendar, but by the smoky, sweet aroma of roasting chestnuts—locally known as . As the leaves turn gold, the streets of cities like Zagreb and Sarajevo transform into a stage for traditional street vendors, whose coal-fired roasters are as much a part of the landscape as the historic architecture. Why Kesteni are the "Bread of the Forest"