How to Roast Chestnuts

Preheat the oven to 375º

Place a chestnut flattest side down onto a folded kitchen towel

Using a sharp paring knife (and being very careful) cut through the shell across the width

Cut again lengthwise ending up with a cross cut in the rounded top of the nut

Place onto a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes for most chestnuts

Very large chestnuts seem to be more mealy and very tiny ones tend to over-cook easily. When shells have split after 20 minutes, remove from oven to a bowl lined with a large, clean kitchen towel

Wrap towel over nuts and press down all over, moving nuts by picking up a corner of the towel to mix them around

Leave to stand about 5-10 minutes, until cool enough to handle.

Peel the nuts through the shell and inner skin to the tender, sweet nut inside. We devour these on the living room rug in front of the fire. Enjoy!

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How To: Cooking Techniques

How to Roast Chestnuts