Roast Chestnuts

What would a crisp winter day be without the wonderful aroma of roasted chestnuts? If you're enchanted by the smell of chestnuts roasting, here's how to discover it for yourself at home.

Steps

 * 1) Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF (205ºC) or fire up the grill. If you're going to use a campfire or a fireplace, get the fire established.
 * 2) Carefully cut an X into the flat side of each nut with a sharp, pointy knife, cutting through the shell. This will allow steam to escape, otherwise the chestnuts can explode! Alternatively, you can stab them with a fork, making sure it goes through the shell.
 * 3) [[Image:Roast_chestnuts_851.jpg|250px|right]]Spread the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet for the oven or directly on the grill, cut side up. Sprinkle lightly with water. If roasting over an open flame, including a gas stove, put them in a pan with a long handle and cover.
 * 4) *Some people prefer to lay the chestnuts slit side down so that the shell is cooked, dried and separated from the nut for optimal crispiness.
 * 5) [[Image:Chestnuts.jpg|right|200px]]Roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until they're tender and the shell comes off easily. Move them around frequently so they don't burn.
 * 6) Wrap the hot chestnuts in a towel and squeeze them to crush the skins. Leave them wrapped in the towel for five minutes afterwards.
 * 7) [[Image:Roast_chestnuts_920.jpg|200px|right]]Peel while nuts are warm. Remove the inner skin along with the shell. Reheat briefly if the nuts become hard to peel.
 * 8) [[Image:Roast_chestnuts_178.jpg|200px|right]]Enjoy!

Video
in this video Chef Jason Hill shows you how to roast chestnuts.

Tips

 * Your fingers might turn black while shelling, so be sure to wash them as soon as you're done.
 * Nonstick pans usually don't fare well over an open flame.
 * Choose chestnuts with a nice, brown shine and a firm feel. Avoid any chestnuts with blemishes, mottling or pinholes.
 * Soak the chestnuts in cold water after you've pierced the shell for about 30 minutes to make them easier to peel.

Warnings

 * Watch carefully. The nuts can turn from crispy to burned within a minute.
 * Use caution when making score marks into nuts with the sharp knife.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Make Chestnut Stuffing
 * How to Prepare Chestnuts
 * How to Store Chestnuts
 * How to Eat a Raw Chestnut
 * How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds