How to Roast Chestnuts on an Open Fire
Put that fire in the hearth or cozy campfire to good use by whipping up these traditional holiday treats.
Up next in Christmas Recipes (15 videos)
Try some new holiday food this season with the Christmas recipes in this Howcast video series.
You Will Need
- Fresh chestnuts
- Fire
- Covered popcorn popper or chestnut roaster
- Sharp paring knife (optional)
Steps
-
Step 1
Put chestnuts in popper or roasting pan
Arrange a single layer of chestnuts in the fireplace popcorn popper or chestnut roasting pan.
-
For easier peeling later, cut an X into the flat side of the nut with the paring knife.
-
Step 2
Put pan over fire
Place the pan over a low fire for 20 to 25 minutes. Shake the pan back and forth frequently while cooking.
-
Step 3
Listen for popping
Listen for the loud popping sounds as the chestnuts burst open. If you cut an X into them first, the steam will escape and you won't hear it.
-
Step 4
Check for doneness
Check for doneness. You'll know they're done if the shells are broken open or are curled.
-
Step 5
Peel
Peel when the chestnuts are still hot but cool enough to touch.
-
"The Christmas Song" often subtitled "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" was written during an unusually hot summer by Mel Torme and Bob Wells.
