Had you been on the sauce mate? I always found I made the best when slaughtered and could never replicate it again. Good one, and you rescued it too!!!!
I thought I had posted this before. but has anyone tried the catering Garlic Puree? I have been using various manufacturers for about 5 years now with success, Sharwoods, Schwarz, Noels, and some Spanish stuff (forgot name). They all come in large plastic jars about 500cc. They don't need refrigeration (but I would recommend it) and they keep for ages.
On the good/bad side - It is better than frozen puree but not as good as fresh. It can burn quickly like frozen stuff, and it does have a distinct smell to it.
If you are cooking up with this puree from the start you don't need much heat and you have to keep stirring. You add your other stuff as normal when the smell starts to subside. Alternatively you can just lob it in later and cook it through.
I can't get the Sharwoods or Spanish stuff now, but the Schwarz (who took over Noels)stuff is equally as good. It is the the Schwarz Chef range, and available from Bookers and I guess Makro.
CP