Last of the chestnut puree

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Last autumn I stopped at a shop I don’t usually visit (because it isn’t that convenient, only I happened to be passing that day) and found they had a whole stack of jars of chestnut puree, reduced from £1.50 to 36p each. And the weird thing was that they were not about to become out of date or anything like that – the ‘best before’ date was still a year and a half ahead! Well I was sure I could use them for something, even though I wasn’t sure quite what yet, so I bought four jars. I do like chestnuts and we do use whole ones fairly often, especially as they make a good substitute for mushrooms (which none of my family like) in casseroles and pies, and we like to eat the roasted ones just as a snack, but we don’t often use puree. The first jar I made into some sort of bean and chestnut burgers, which were OK but I wouldn’t rush to make them again. The second one I made into a fancy roulade for new year’s eve – that was so nice I made the same thing again a couple of months later. Then I used the last jar to make a chestnut and chocolate torte, which was also delicious. As usual I made the mistake of eating a lot of it before thinking of taking a photo! I’m not sure if cakes etc made with chestnut puree might be somewhat healthier then ‘regular’ cakes (more protein and less fat, perhaps?) but either way it certainly works well. I’m just sorry I didn’t buy ten jars! Have you found unexpected success with an ingredient you don’t usually buy? All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2024.