How to Roast Chestnuts

Can’t you just hear Nat King Cole's deep, rich voice crooning, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” ?

Here's another food we often associate with Christmas, but fresh chestnuts, available from September to February, are a low-fat,vitamin C-packed snack that should be enjoyed more often!

There are a few ways to roast this sweet, plump nut.

For oven roasted chestnuts…

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

With a sharp paring knife make two cross-cut gashes on the flat side of each chestnut.

Spread the chestnuts out in a single layer in a shallow baking pan and sprinkle the nuts lightly with water.

Roast the chestnuts in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the shells and bitter inner skin come off.

Serve warm.

For fire roasted chestnuts (or barbecued)

With a sharp paring knife make two cross-cut gashes on the flat side of each chestnut.

Place the nuts in a wire basket and roast over the coals of a fireplace, or a barbecue fire, until the shells and skin flake off easily.

Serve warm.

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