Carefully cut your chestnuts skins with a knife in a cross shape along the curved side. You can use a chestnut knife if you have oneĀ (see above). This is the safest method of cooking them without the explosions mentioned above.
Put your pan into the fire making sure it will not tip over and cook until the crosses have opened up and the nuts are a lovely golden brown. The time frame is a matter of just waiting as it will depend on your fire.