White Sauce Mix

White Sauce Mix Recipe from France - Simple and Easy with Unbleached Flour, Butter, and Non-Fat Dry Milk

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

White sauce mix is a versatile and convenient pantry staple that can be used to create a variety of creamy and delicious sauces. Whether you're making a classic béchamel sauce or adding a creamy touch to your favorite pasta dish, white sauce mix is a handy ingredient to have on hand.

History

White sauce, also known as béchamel sauce, has been a staple in French cuisine for centuries. The sauce is made by combining butter, flour, and milk to create a creamy and smooth base that can be used in a variety of dishes. The convenience of a pre-made white sauce mix allows home cooks to easily whip up a delicious sauce without the hassle of measuring out individual ingredients.

Ingredients

1 cup of flour
1 cup of butter
1.5 cups of non-instant non-fat dry milk

How to prepare

White Sauce mix

In a large bowl, cut the butter into the flour using two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
Place the mixture in an airtight container and label it as “White Sauce mix”.
Store the mixture in the refrigerator and use it within 2 months.

Basic medium white sauce

In a saucepan, combine 0.5 cup of the white sauce mix and 1 cup of cool water. (For a thinner white sauce, decrease the amount of mix to 0.25 cup; for a thicker white sauce, increase the amount of mix to 0.75 cup).
Cook the mixture over low heat until smooth, stirring constantly.
This recipe yields about 1.5 cups of sauce.

Variations

Add grated cheese to the basic medium white sauce for a cheesy twist.
Stir in herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making the white sauce mix, be sure to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This will ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

- Store the white sauce mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 2 months.

- When making the basic medium white sauce, be sure to cook the mixture over low heat and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Serving Suggestions

White sauce mix can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, casseroles, and vegetable gratins. It can also be used as a base for creamy soups and sauces.

Cooking Techniques

When making the basic medium white sauce, be sure to cook the mixture over low heat to prevent the sauce from scorching.

- Stir constantly to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk powder.

- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the white sauce mix ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. This will save you time when you're ready to make a creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the white sauce over pasta, vegetables, or meat dishes for a creamy and delicious touch. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

White sauce mix pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as chicken Alfredo, macaroni and cheese, and creamy vegetable casseroles.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the white sauce mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. To reheat the sauce, simply warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring constantly until smooth.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of white sauce mix contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of white sauce mix contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of white sauce mix contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of white sauce mix contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

White sauce mix is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, thanks to the non-fat dry milk used in the recipe.

Alergens

White sauce mix contains dairy (butter and non-fat dry milk) and gluten (flour).

Summary

White sauce mix is a creamy and versatile ingredient that is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, calcium, and vitamin D. However, it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

White sauce mix is a convenient pantry staple that can be used to create a variety of creamy and delicious dishes. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can whip up a creamy white sauce in no time. Whether you're making a classic pasta dish or adding a creamy touch to your favorite casserole, white sauce mix is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for White Sauce Mix. It was a rainy day in the small village where I grew up, and my mother had invited a neighbor over for tea. This neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, was known for her culinary skills and her vast collection of recipes. As we sat sipping our tea, Mrs. Jenkins began to talk about a new dish she had been experimenting with - a versatile white sauce mix that could be used in countless recipes.

Intrigued, I leaned in closer to listen as Mrs. Jenkins described the ingredients and the method of preparation. She explained how the sauce could be used as a base for soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes, and how it added a creamy richness to any dish it touched. I could practically taste the sauce on my tongue as she spoke, and I knew that I had to have the recipe for myself.

After Mrs. Jenkins left, I begged my mother to ask her for the recipe. My mother, always one to encourage my culinary pursuits, agreed to reach out to Mrs. Jenkins on my behalf. A few days later, she returned triumphantly with a handwritten recipe card from Mrs. Jenkins herself. I clutched the card in my hands, feeling like I had just been handed a secret key to the culinary world.

I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and setting to work in the kitchen. As I measured and stirred, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of butter and flour cooking together. I watched in amazement as the sauce thickened and transformed into a velvety white sauce that shimmered in the pot. I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly magical.

I began experimenting with the white sauce mix, adding different herbs and spices to create new and exciting flavors. I used it to make creamy macaroni and cheese, luxurious chicken pot pie, and hearty potato soup. Each dish was a triumph, and I knew that I had found a recipe that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills with the white sauce mix. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were all amazed by its versatility and deliciousness. I even passed it down to my own children, who now use it in their own kitchens to create memories of their own.

But the true beauty of the white sauce mix recipe lies not just in its flavor, but in the memories it holds for me. Every time I make a dish with the white sauce mix, I am transported back to that rainy day in the village, sitting with my mother and Mrs. Jenkins, dreaming of the culinary possibilities that lay before me. This recipe is more than just a mix of ingredients - it is a connection to my past, a reminder of the joy and wonder that cooking can bring.

So as I stand in my kitchen today, whisk in hand, stirring a pot of white sauce mix that smells just as heavenly as it did all those years ago, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures that cooking has brought into my life. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my repertoire, I will never run out of delicious meals to share with the ones I love.