Longing for something a little different over the holidays? All you have to do is just follow some brief and simple steps, and you’re well on your way to enjoying a cozy, storybook-style winter’s night and warm up with some traditionally toasty chestnuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds whole chestnuts in shell
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

• Make a large X in each chestnut with chestnut knife or a sharp paring knife, cutting through shell. Toss chestnuts with oil in a bowl.
• Heat dry skillet over moderately low heat until hot, then roast chestnuts in skillet on stove top, covered, stirring every few minutes, for 15 minutes total.
• Add water and continue to roast, covered, stirring occasionally, until water is evaporated and chestnuts are tender, about 5 minutes more. Serve hot.