Basic Italian White Cream Sauce Like An Alfredo Or Bechamel Recipes

ALFREDO SAUCE

Steps:

• Melt butter in a non-stick straight edged sauté pan (or similar pan) over medium low heat.*
• Once melted, add in garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper and cook, whisking constantly, for 30 seconds.
• Slowly whisk in the heavy cream.
• Bring to a simmer, and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking constantly.
• Reduce the heat to low, and whisk in the cheese, little by little, until fully melted. Do this slowly to avoid clumping and graininess.
• Taste and re-season, if desired.
• Serve with hot pasta, as a dipping sauce, or as a base for a pizza, etc.

BASIC BECHAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour until smooth. Continue stirring as the flour cooks to a light, golden, sandy color, about 7 minutes.
• Increase heat to medium-high and slowly whisk in milk until thickened by the roux. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and continue simmering until the flour has softened and not longer tastes gritty, 10 to 20 minutes, then season with salt and nutmeg.

BASIC WHITE SAUCE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Use immediately or refrigerate.

BECHAMEL - BASIC WHITE SAUCE

Steps:

• Scald the milk with the onion, bay leaf and peppercorns.
• Cover and let infuse off heat for 10-15 minutes.
• In a heavy based saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour and cook, stirring, until the flour is foaming but not browned- about 1 minute.
• Off heat, strain in the hot milk.
• Whisk well, then bring to a boil, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
• season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and leave to simmer slowly for 1-2 minutes.
• NOTE: This make what is called a "MEDIUM" Bechamel.
• For a "THIN" Bechamel use 2 tbs. butter and 2 tbs. flour.
• For a "THICK" Bechamel use 4 tbs. butter and 4 tbs. flour.

WHITE CREAM SAUCE FOR PASTA

Steps:

• Melt butter over low heat in wide sauce pan, or deep skillet.
• Stir in flour and mix with a wooden spoon until blended.
• Slowly add milk to pan, careful not to burn it.
• When milk is fully intergrated into rue, increase heat and reduce for 10 minutes, stir often to prevent burn.
• If sauce too thick, add more milk.
• If too thin, add more flour.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour over warmed buttered pasta, and cover with cheese.
• Serve immediatlly.

BECHAMEL (WHITE SAUCE)

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, about 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually add in the milk, stirring constantly, until thoroughly incorporated into butter mixture.
• Add salt, pepper, oregano, and minced garlic (I like using my garlic press for this). Stir frequently until thickened. See note for tip on thinning.

BASIC BECHAMEL (WHITE) SAUCE WITH VARIATIONS INCLUDING AU GRATIN

Steps:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook over medium, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• NOTE - It is best to use warm to hot liquids when making sauce, which helps to prevent lumps. Also, constant stirring will help prevent the sauce from scorching on the bottom. If sauce turns lumpy, whisk vigorously with a wire whip or strain through a wire sieve before serving.
• Stir in milk or other liquid. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Option: Reduce milk by the same amount you add white wine, sherry or brandy will create a lovely flavor.
• CHEESE SAUCE - Once sauce is made, remove from heat and stir in 1/2 to 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese (or whatever flavor compliments what you are making -- better yet use 2 different cheeses), stirring until melted. To Au Gratin anything use this sauce mixed with potatoes, veggies, meats or whatever and heat through. Top with seasoned bread crumbs and more cheese finishing in the broiler.
• CURRY SAUCE - Stir in 1/2 teaspoon curry powder with the flour.
• DILL SAUCE - Stir in 1 teaspoon chopped fresh, or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed and a dash of ground nutmeg with the flour.
• MORNAY SAUCE.
• Add 1/2 cup grated cheese to 1 cup of hot sauce; stir over low heat until cheese is melted. Season with a little mustard or Worcestershire sauce to taste.
• VELOUTE SAUCE.
• Substitute chicken, beef, fish, or vegetable broth for the milk.
• HERB SAUCE.
• Add 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped herbs or 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs to 1 cup of hot sauce. Cook for a minute or two longer to get more flavor from the herbs.
• CREAM SAUCE.
• Add 2 or 3 tablespoons of heavy cream to the finished sauce. For an onion flavor, add an onion slice to the milk when heating; remove onion slice before adding milk to flour and butter mixture.
• MUSTARD SAUCE.
• Combine 1 teaspoon dry mustard to flour used in sauce. This sauce is especially good with fish and chicken.