Fresh Chestnuts Note: If using fresh chestnuts, preheat the oven to 400ºF. Use a sharp paring knife to cut an "x" on the flat side of each chestnut shell. Arrange the chestnuts on a baking sheet and roast until the shells begin to curl open, 15 to 20 minutes. While the chestnuts are still warm, remove the outer shell and inner skin of each chestnut. The chestnuts are now ready to use.
This recipe is reprinted with permissions from Party Vegan by Robin Robertson © 2010, John Wiley & Sons.