How to Roast Chestnuts in the Oven

For a delicious taste of the holidays, try this recipe for fresh chestnuts roasted in the oven.

Step 1: Preheat the oven Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Rinse the chestnuts, place them on a towel, and pat them dry.
Step 2: Carve an X Use the paring knife to make an X on the flat side of each chestnut. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the chestnuts from exploding in the oven. Plus, it will make peeling them easier.
TIP: Make the incision about 1/8-inch deep -- just into the flesh of the nut.
Step 3: Bake the chestnuts Place the chestnuts in a single layer in the shallow baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, turning them over after 10 minutes.
Step 4: Remove chestnuts to a bowl Take the chestnuts out of the oven, put them in a bowl lined with a towel, and cover them for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Peel Peel them while they're still hot, but cool enough to touch, starting at the slit and pulling the shell and skin away from the nut meat.
Step 6: Serve Serve them plain or sprinkled with cinnamon, or dip them in melted better.
FACT: Chestnuts have a high water content and very little oil, making them virtually fat free.