Caramelized Chestnuts

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Bake chestnuts on a baking sheet in middle of oven until slightly dried and a shade darker, about 30 minutes.
3. 3
   Cool chestnuts completely on a rack.
4. 4
   Cook sugar in a dry 10- to 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderate heat, swirling and shaking skillet (to help sugar melt evenly), until caramel is deep golden.
5. 5
   Remove from heat, then prop skillet up against a ramekin or metal cookie cutter, tilting it just enough for caramel to pool.
6. 6
   Add 1 chestnut to caramel and evenly coat by turning with 2 forks, then transfer with forks to a sheet of foil to cool.
7. 7
   Coat remaining chestnuts in same manner.
8. 8
   (If caramel starts to harden, melt over moderately low heat, stirring.)
9. 9
   Once completely cooled, peel chestnuts from foil.