Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Select fresh chestnuts that are heavy, glossy and firm, with smooth shells. Using a paring knife, cut a small cross on one side of each shell to allow steam to escape and to make nuts easier to peel. Place nuts in a single layer in a heavy oven-proof skillet or roasting pan. Roast 15 to 20 minutes.

Wrap hot chestnuts in a towel and squeeze to crush the shells. Keep nuts wrapped for 5 minutes before removing. Shell the chestnuts by removing both the hard outer shell and the thin brown skin inside. Be careful not to burn your fingers.