Chestnut Cream

Asked by jtviles. Answered on 5th July 2012

Full question

What brand of Sweetened Chestnut Cream does Nigella use for her Chestnut Chocolate Pots in Nigella Christmas? I have been searching and have found many different sweetened chestnut products all with slightly different names. Clement Faugier has two; one called creme de marron and one called chestnut spread. Roland has one called chestnut cream. Any help you can offer would be great. I want to make sure I am buying the right product before I order online. Thanks!

Our answer

The canned chestnut puree in Nigella's Chestnut Chocolate Pots is sweetened and also contains a little vanilla, so when you are looking at cans of the puree it is worth checking the ingredients list to make sure sugar (glucose syrup) and vanilla are included. Generally this is called creme de marrons. Unsweetened versions are usually labelled as unsweetened chestnut puree or puree de marrons nature.

If you are still unsure then we would tend to opt for the Clement Faugier chestnut spread as this has sugar and vanilla added. The cans labelled as creme de marrons should be the same product, but check the ingredients. The Roland chestnut cream is sweetened and contains vanilla so is also suitable.