Do chestnuts have to roast on an open fire, or can you eat them not roasted?

I saw a display of chestnuts at the grocery store, and because of the Christmas song I bought 2 of them. Now I'd like to taste them, but I don't know if I have to somehow roast them first or not. I don't have an open fire either.

Do chestnuts have to roast on an open fire, or can you eat them not roasted?
I suppose eating it raw won't kill you but it's definitely less enjoyable as the cooked ones. The best way is roasting which can just as easily be done in an oven. Be sure to score the shell with an X on the flat side so it won't burst during cooking. Takes about 20 minutes on high heat. Allow to cool, peel and enjoy.
Reply:You can eat them roasted, raw or boiled. The latter are quite nice but just break the skin with a knife before you boil them. I think 5 to 10 minutes should do it.
Reply:I will eat cooked chestnut, either roasted or boiled.
Reply:You can eat the roasted or boiled and yea, RAW but just watch out for those nasty little worms that live inside!
Reply:Remove the hard covering before boiling the chestnuts. The soft brown underlayer will come off fairly easily with a knife once they are boiled till soft.

In Italy we always add fresh fennel leaves to the water, and cook the chestnuts for a good 20 minutes. Then drain them, remove the fennel, put them thru a ricer, and eat them with a good dollop of sweet whipped cream.... mmmmm.....delicious!
Reply:don't worry about the open fire , boiled chestnuts taste very good too,come on,get going your going to love them.