Scoring Tools: Kitchen Scissors, Paring Knife or Specialty Tool
Cookie sheet or roasting pan
Instructions
Score the Chestnuts
Score the skin of the chestnuts. Score with an 'X' or laterally from one side each chestnut to the other.Pierce just the skin and not the nut meat. Use kitchen scissors, paring knife or chestnut scoring knife or tool for this job.
Soak the Chestnuts
Soak the scored chestnuts in a bowl of filtered water or wine for 2 hours.
Dry the Chestnuts
Towel dry the chestnuts after the soak.
Choose One Roasting Option:
How to Roast Chestnuts in an Oven
Preheat your oven to 350° F (180° C).
Arrange the chestnuts score-side up on a cookie sheet or in a roasting pan.
Place the cookie sheet in the bottom third of the oven and roast the chestnuts for 20 minutes.
After the 20 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425° F (220°C).Roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes
How to Roast Chestnuts in a Pan
Place the slightly damp chestnuts cut-side up in the pan (no overlaps).
Place a flame diffuser (spreader) under your pan. Crank the flame to medium-low heat and cover the pan with a lid.
Let the chestnuts cook covered for about 10 minutes. This gives the chestnut meats a chance to steam, ensuring that the nut is cooked inside.
After the 10 minutes, remove the lid, crank the flame to medium heat and cook for an additional 20 minutes or so. Shake the chestnuts or toss them in the pan every few minutes to make sure no chestnut stays in the hottest part of the flame for too long. If you shake, use a pair of tongs to turn the chestnuts score-side up again to avoid burning the nut meat.
How to Roast Chestnuts over a Fire
Place a fire tripod or similar prop 10 to 15 inches from the logs producing your fire.
Place chestnuts in a single layer in a pan with holes (preferably a chestnut roasting pan.
Place the pan on the tripod. Let the nuts cook for 10 to 15 over the fire! The skins will be charred and the meat tender.
Every 2-3 minutes, shake the nuts in the pan vigorously before returning to the fire. Turn the pan upside down after shaking if your pan is enclosed.
Let Chestnuts Rest
Transfer the chestnuts to a bowl and cover with a towel. Use the palms of your hands to gently press to loosen the nut skins. Let the chestnuts rest covered for 15 minutes. Peel the skins and enjoy!