Nature's Autumnal Collage

I found this work of art this evening in Birches Wood.

The fallen sweet chestnuts are as plump and numerous as I have ever seen.
I stuffed my pockets full and have just spent half an hour eating the fruits of my labours!

Whilst roasting chestnuts on an open fire is traditionally the best method, I have found that stabbing them with a sharp knife and putting them in a bowl in the microwave works perfectly.
12 chestnuts take about 2 minutes at full power.

I have not yet found a way of storing them for Christmas without them drying out or going mouldy.

Ant ideas?