How do you roast chestnuts?

With a sharp knife, cut a cross (X) on the flat side of each chestnut. Spread the chestnuts in a shallow pan, add ¼ cup water, and bake in a 450 degree F. oven for 15 minutes or until the shells open. Peel while hot using a sharp knife. The inner brown skin is bitter and must be pulled off while still warm.

Barbara Willenberg, Nutritional Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia.