Chestnuts!

[Hairyhat]

Please can you wise mumsnetters tell me how to roast chestnuts. I love them. Always buy fresh then roast them in a hot oven for 19 minutes or so after making a slice in their skin. Then I cannot for the life of me peel them! End up eating bits of hard skin. Is there a way to cook them so they peel easily? What am I doing wrong please?

Not 19! TEN minutes I meant

microwave
5 or so at a time
a tablespoon of water
45-60 seconds (they start to hiss when they are ready)

btw we collect/buy loads now, peel and freeze for christmas (to stuff the goose with)

I'm pretty sure roasting them for 10 mins isn't long enough, I think it needs to be more like 20-25 mins.

Thanks all. For the replies

Thank you Purple. Do you prick the skin or just microwave them in water?

Purple, how do you peel them? Just pick at them? Or do you have to blanch them?

sharp pointy knife
I don't prick them, the skin gets quite soft. you need to peel while still hot or they become rock hard.

Thanks!