Ciambella

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a cookie sheet.

Combine the flour, sugar and baking powder in a food processor and pulse quickly to blend.

Add the cold butter and pulse quickly until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, almond extract and milk until smooth. With the food processor running, add the liquid all at once and blend 10 to 15 seconds, until the dough just forms a ball.

Transfer the dough to a well floured cutting board and shape into a log about 14 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Form the log into a ring in the center of the cookie sheet.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until light golden brown.

Remove, transfer to a rack and cool to room temperature.

Cut the cake into slices about 1 inch thick, top with a tablespoon each of the red grapes in syrup and the caramelized chestnuts. Dust with confectioners'sugar and serve.

Combine sugar, water and wine in a saucepot. Bring up to a boil dissolving all the sugar in the liquid.

Add the grapes and cook until they just barely burst. Reserve warm until ready to serve.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. With a paring knife score the bottom of each chestnut with an "x" place on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.

Remove chestnuts from oven and peel off shells. In a large saute pan melt butter add the chestnuts and cook on a low flame very slowly until brown. Once they have caramelized for about 5 minutes add the sugar and toss. Allow to caramelize another 5 to 6 minutes.