Scoring Tools: Kitchen Scissors, Paring Knife or Specialty Tool
Pan with Holes
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.
How to Roast Chestnuts on an Open 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!