Michigan
State University Extension
Preserving
Food Safely - 01600663
10/13/97
To shell chestnuts, make two crosscut gashes on their
flat side with a sharp pointed knife. The outer shell may
come off when you do this, but the inner skin will still
protect the kernel. To remove both the inner and outer
coverings, place the nuts in a pan over high heat, dropping
oil or butter over them - 1 teaspoon to 1 pound of nuts.
Shake them until coated, then place moderate oven until the
shells and inner brown skin can be easily removed. This
brown inside skin is bitter and must be peeled off while
still warm.
CHESTNUTS-CRACKING
Cut a cross on flat sides of nuts. Spread in a shallow
pan; add 1/4 cup water. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit
for 15 minutes or until shells open. With a sharp knife,
peel while hot. The inner brown skin is bitter and must be
removed while warm.