Roasted Chestnuts

By Hester

Chestnuts are the only nut that must be cooked before eating. Once the hard outer shell and bitter skin are removed, the chestnut has a slightly sweet flavour.

Ingredients

• chestnuts
• open fire, optional

Preparation

Step 1

When purchasing, look for glossy, unblemished nuts. They should feel firm, solid and heavy for their size. Fresh, unshelled nuts should be refrigerated. After peeling and cooking, store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To roast, the nut must first be slashed open to prevent its bursting during cooking. Use a sharp knife to cut a cross on the flat side of the shell. Place nuts on a baking sheet in a 375F oven for 20 - 25 minutes until they feel soft. If you have a perforated tin or chestnut roasting pan, you can roast them over and open fire. Shake the pan frequently for even cooking.

Peel and enjoy!