Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

We were in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland a couple of weeks ago for a wedding. We were staying at an apartment with an open fire, and it got us thinking about how nice a fire would be at home. But unfortunately we rent a 2 bedroom unit on the second floor, so it's hard to put a chimney in.

Then we thought about a brazier - the joy of an open fire, a wood-fired barbecue and all on our small balcony

It was a great idea and in many ways it was very relaxing sitting outside, watching the flames licking through the brazier walls, cooking sausages on the grill and (later) roasting chestnuts on the coals

 

It was a great idea, although slightly flawed in practice. Because the balcony only faces one way there is no through-flow of air, so the wind always blew in and swirled the smoke directly onto either one or both of us. So we kept the fire low, which in turn meant the sausages took a while to cook. The roast chestnuts were just as I remembered from the streets of London - extremely atmospheric, too hot to peel without the risk of third degree burns, flavourless and a little floury. It took me around an hour to tidy it all up the next day, and for a week or so afterwards the flat smelt of smoke. And one of the neighbours keeps giving us dirty looks, although she is a little bit odd so that could be for many reasons.

Don't think it will be a weekly thing, but it was fun and very relaxing to hang out watching the flames. Something to do when we want to spoil ourselves - as well as any washing left on the line downstairs :)