Oven-Roasted Chestnuts

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1Gather the ingredients. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 425 F.
2. 2Using a sharp paring knife or chef's knife, make an X-shaped cut on the round side of 1/2 pound fresh unpeeled chestnuts . This critical step keeps them from exploding from internal pressure when heated and makes peeling easier after roasting.
3. 3Arrange chestnuts on a baking rack or a baking sheet.
4. 4Transfer the chestnuts to the oven and roast them until the skins have pulled back from the cuts and the nutmeats have softened. The actual time required will depend on the chestnuts but will be at least 15 to 20 minutes.
5. 5Remove the nuts from the oven and pile them into a mound in an old towel. Wrap them up, squeeze hard—the chestnuts should crackle—and let them sit for a few minutes.
6. 6Pull and snap off the dark shells to reveal the yellowish white chestnuts. While peeling, make sure to also remove the papery skin between the shell and the chestnut.
7. 7Serve warm, and enjoy!