Sauces

Sauces are flavourful liquids that complement or form part of a dish. They can be sweet or savoury and served hot or cold.

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Reasons for Using Sauces

• Flavour: Enhances dishes, e.g., cheese sauce with cauliflower.
• Appearance: Adds visual appeal, e.g., fruit coulis on cheesecake.
• Moisture: Keeps dishes moist, e.g., pepper sauce with steak.

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Classification of Sauces

Roux-Based: Made with equal parts fat and flour.

• Examples: Parsley sauce (with fish), Cheese sauce (with cauliflower).

Fruit Purée: Blended fruit for sweet or savoury pairings.

• Examples: Apple sauce (with pork), Cranberry sauce (with turkey).

Egg-Based: Made with eggs for texture and richness.

• Example: Custard (with pies).

Cold: Chilled sauces for refreshing contrast.

• Examples: Mint (with lamb), Horseradish (with beef).

Other: Varied sauces used with different dishes.

• Examples: Peppercorn (with steak), Barbecue (with chicken wings), Tomato (with spaghetti), Chocolate (with profiteroles).

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Convenience Sauces

Advantage	Disadvantage
Convenient and time-saving	Can lack flavour
Useful for quick meals	May be high in salt, sugar, and additives
Easy for beginners	Can be costly

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Roux-Based Sauces

• Ingredients: Equal amounts of fat and flour with liquid added later.
• Flavour Variations: Add cheese, parsley, or mushroom.
• Thickness: Adjust by changing the amount of liquid:
  • Binding (thickest)
  • Coating
  • Stewing
  • Pouring (thinnest)

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Batter

• Definition: A mixture of flour, eggs, and liquid (usually milk), beaten to add air.
• Uses:
  • Coating food for frying, e.g., fish.
  • Making pancakes, crêpes, and Yorkshire puddings.
• Benefits: Batters are cost-effective and versatile for breakfast or snacks.