566388 Tue Oct 21 12:48:26 -0700 2008 5 31 Home Cooking 0 4119117 Okay, I saw them at the greenmarket and couldn't resist (see photo below) in part because I'd never seen how peanuts actually grow. I ended up having a lovely conversation with the farmer. But in all that I forgot to ask what I'm supposed to do with them! Do I eat them raw? Do I roast them? If so, how? I heard in the South, they boil them? How? Please help, all you peanut lovers out there! :) Tue Oct 21 12:48:26 -0700 2008 104084 LNG212 1 4119543 Make Chinese boiled peanuts. Combine the following: Chinese five spice powder Star anise, whole Chinese peppercorn, whole Salt Add water and the peanuts, bring to a boil, and let simmer for about 30 minutes or until peanuts are tender. Tue Oct 21 15:34:19 -0700 2008 4119117 11583 ipsedixit 2 4119600 That sounds so fragrant. Thanks. As I said I'm a bit slow on the up-take here, so maybe a dumb question ... I assume I take the peanuts out of the shells? Tue Oct 21 15:57:46 -0700 2008 4119543 104084 LNG212 3 4119614 I've had the Chinese variety out of shell but Southern boiled peanuts are boiled in shell with lots of salt (I use Kosher) and cooked until desired bite-I don't like mine too soft. Great with beer!!! Tue Oct 21 16:04:34 -0700 2008 4119600 10776 4chowpups 3 4119645 No, with shell and skin on. The shell imparts a nice aromatic pungeness that you don't normally get if you de-shell. Enjoy. (Oh, and let me add that you can reserve the liquid to use as a base when stewing beef or pork, or even to poach chicken) Tue Oct 21 16:16:16 -0700 2008 4119600 11583 ipsedixit 1 4120728 Another idea is to peel them, and toast them in a pan with a little oil. Add to a salad or asian coleslaw. Wed Oct 22 06:57:16 -0700 2008 4119117 228042 sadiefox