to ask you how you cook chestnuts

[Gossipyfishwife]

My exH has brought a packet in. Last time I was given access to chestnuts I just put them in a baking tray in a hot oven.

When they overheated I thought someone important had died and the military were giving a 21 gun salute. They had burst and splattered all over. Chestnutty goo everywhere.

So has anyone got any simple chestnut tips?

Haha I can imagine the panic (and the mess). I just put a slice through the skin of each (doesn't seen to matter where) and then do as you did and put them on a baking tray in the oven.
Bake for about 30-40 mins until the inside looks fluffy and eat.

I microwave them

You don't let your husband do it so that a short while later you can hear loud bangs and so that your kitchen ends up stinking of ash for a week

You do pierce them slightly, coat them in whatever you fancy and bake them for about 30 mins on med-high heat!

are they in their shell?
if yes, put about 5 a time with a little water onto a plate. on on high u till they start to fizz.
then peel and eat them all set aside for the stuffing.

Thanks everyone.

So Bamboo, what is a little of what you fancy? Salt, sugar, spices?

We never had chestnuts when I grew up (deprived emoticon)

I quite like a sugary/salty combination (kind of like the old-fashioned popcorn).

My husband is keen on a little bit of honey mixed with some olive oil and cinnamon.

Also a spiced version (chill and cumin) tastes rather nice.

They're more trouble than they're worth IME.

You have to eat them when they're hotter than the sun. If you let them cool, the inside goes kind of tough again.

I'd rather just buy a jar of chestnut purée.

Open tin. Hand to DP. Ensure kitchen has before retreating to sofa.

Several hours later, enjoy delicious pie.