The smell of roasting chestnuts always reminds me of the holiday season in New York City, when it seems like there’s a street vendor roasting chestnuts on just about every other corner.
If you love chestnuts, and have always wondered how to roast them at home – here’s how:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- With a very sharp knife, cut an X in the rounded side of each chestnut, making sure to cut all the way through the shell. This is an important step, because it will prevent the chestnuts from exploding.
- Place the chestnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water over the chestnuts, shake the pan, and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Wrap them in a towel, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Crush them gently with the bottom of a heavy pan. Unwrap the towel, and place the chestnuts in a big bowl.
- Take the bowl to a comfy spot (a roaring fire is good) with some friends and family (and maybe some glasses of port). Peel the skins off of the meat, while you have a pleasant chat.