How to roast chestnuts the old-fashioned way.
1 ½ pounds chestnuts
Optional: Melted butter and salt
First, you need a grilling basket with a long handle (they actually have
chestnut roasting baskets available). Get a good fire going until the point
where it has a nice bed of hot embers. With a small, serrated knife, cut
an ‘X' into each chestnut (otherwise they'll explode). I put them on a small
towel so they won't slip. Place them in the roasting basket and cook them
over the fire, shaking frequently like popcorn. It'll take 15 - 20 minutes
for them to roast, depending on the heat of the fire. The skins will blacken.
Empty into the towel, roll up and squeeze to help remove skins. Peel away
and eat as is, or dip each one in melted butter and a hint of salt like my father
used to do.