Miscellaneous with chestnuts

1 lb chestnuts (see comments) 2 quart Polenta Cornbread in 1/2" cubes (see recipe) 6 slc bacon - (abt 1/3 lb total) 1 c. finely-minced onion 3/4 c.[...]

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup roasted whole chestnuts (shelled)* 1/4 cup sugar (optional) plus 1/2 teaspoon (required) 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup warm water[...]

6 ounce Dry chestnuts , soaked in cool water overnight 3 ounce Carrots , cut in half 3 ounce Celery , cut in half 3 ounce Leeks , cut in half 1 sm Onion ,[...]

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 2 x carrots diced 4 stk celery minced 1 lrg leek minced 2 x onions thinly sliced 4 x bay leaves 2 1/2 c. red wine 1 bn fresh[...]