a different nut to crack
Soak chestnuts in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes; drain well. Cut a slit in the shell in the rounded side of the chestnut. Make sure the cut goes all the way through the shell; otherwise, they can explode.
To roast: Arrange chestnuts in a single layer in a chestnut pan. Place over an open flame; roast 25 minutes, shaking frequently.
To roast in the oven, arrange chestnuts on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes.
To microwave, arrange chestnuts in a single layer on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes. Microwave a maximum of 12 chestnuts at one time so that they cook evenly.
Let the chestnuts cool about 5 minutes. Peel.
