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Monday, 21 November 2011

REAL CHATEAUBRIAND, As It Should Look, And be Prepared


Links:Fillet-and the Modern Conception

Chateaubriand Steak. from Wikipedia, because it continually contradicts itself, it is my personal opinion that this post should be removed and replaced with something factual; or just maybe Wikipedia should refer to a RELIABLE dictionary, Encyclopedia, French Cook Book, or other, reference source.

Chateaubriand-is really a recipe and not a cut of meat; but, traditionally, it is always cut from the first cut from the SHORT- LOIN (SIR-LOIN).

Other than for the recipe I have posted here, I have been able to find only one (1) recipe for REAL chateaubriand posted anywhere on the internet; and it, as you will see by following the link:A real Chateaubriand steak is a thick cut from the center section of the tenderloin-that portion of the tenderloin contained in the porterhouse section of the beef loin.  is not chateaubriand; or at least the author is a little confused and/or mistaken as to what is a porterhouse,T-bone, or club steak. The post IS from from the USA, SO,what more would you expect; as is continually documented; and well proven; they are usually a little confused-or, just plain wrong.
Usually, it will be the thickest (some variations, of French or UK origin, use a bone in porterhouse, about two inches thick) part of the tenderloin (Porterhouse,not modern Mignon portion).Whatever cut is used, the steak should be a minimum of one and a half inches thick and preferably over two.

Fillet mignon-once considered to be the whole fillet, the present concept of fillet mignon, is really only a recipe as well. 

It is now considered to be the next cut down from the choice chateaubriand (porterhouse section). AND, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD SEEM, FROM THE QUOTE BELOW, THAT AT LEAST SOME OF YOU ARE STILL VERY CONFUSED; AS YOU CAN ALSO READILY SEE IN THE ABOVE ILLUSTRATION, THE FILLET IS A PART OF THE SIRLOIN; therefore there is no controversy in the fact that some sources say that it was originally cut from the SIR-LOIN the only food or cut of meat ever to be officially KNIGHTED. Oh, and to end a little more confusion, Château potatoes are not olive shaped and while they may; or may not; also employ bread crumbs, they are not sautéed (The Olivette or olive Potato) now varies somewhat in size but like the Parisian  and Noisette, originally employed a special cutter.


"CHATEAUBRIAND HISTORY

There are a few things about Chateaubriand that most sources agree. It is a recipe, not a cut of meat. It was created for Francois René Vicomte de Chateaubriand (1768-1848) French author and statesman. It was created by his chef, Montmireil (possibly in 1822).

Sources differ on the other important details of this recipe. Most say it was originally cut from the thickest part of the beef tenderloin, but several state that it was originally cut from the sirloin. Some say it was one very thick cut of beef, seared on the outside and rare on the inside. It may or may not then have had the seared and charred ends cut off before serving. Others state that the thick steak (filet or sirloin) was cooked between two inferior steaks to enhance its flavour and juiciness. The inferior steaks were cooked until well charred, then discarded.

Most state that it was originally served with Bernaise sauce, but some say the sauce was made with reduced white wine, shallots, demi-glace, butter and lemon juice. Finally, all agree the steak was served with chateau potatoes (small olive shaped pieces of potato sautéed until browned)."

FILLET OF BEEF FOR  ENTREES
CHATEAUBRIAND, FILLET STEAK, TOURNEDOS
By fillet steaks it is generally understood that we are referring to the TENDERLOIN FILLET Those pieces of meat cut laterally from the thickest part of the fillet of beef are used for Chateaubriand. Next, according to modern usage, comes the fillet mignon. They ought to be cut about one and one-half inches thick, and weigh from six to seven oz. Tournedos (actually MEDALLIONS outside of the USA) are half-fillets in respect of their weight, and might well be called the "kernels "of the fillet of beef. The usual thickness of a tournedos is about one and one-quarter inches, and they should be cut to a nice, round shape (hence the name). With the object of preserving their shape, they may be tied round with string.

Medallions-make up the nest smaller cut down from the modern fillet mignon-not recognized in the U.S.A.-they will have some excuse but I haven't heard it.
Tournedos-are the next cut and not quite as fine grained, often(usually) used in stroganoff, along with the other tail trimmings. IN THE USA MEDALLIONS ARE CALLED TOURNEDOS-again they will have some excuse-probably catering to the Hispanic populous.

Planked Steak- easy to do and very eye appealing, this is the only method which really serves justice to the unrivalled quality of Canadian and especially Alberta beef 
We, as proud Canadians, producing the world’s best beef, should never, ever, settle for anything less.
Ingredients
1 good steak, porterhouse, t-bone, even fillet mignon, your choice, a minimum of 2 inches thick
            Butter
Duchess potatoes            
Minced parsley
Cooked vegetables
Salt
Paprika
Method
1. Trim the fat and make outline of steak even.
2. Broil
3. Oil a heated plank, place steak on plank, and arrange border of Duchess Potatoes around it.
4. Arrange other cooked vegetables, at least three, in contrasting colour, such as stuffed tomatoes or green peppers, small boiled onions, peas, string beans, cubes of carrot or turnip, cauliflower, around the steak, also so that the board is entirely concealed.
5. Place the plank in the oven until the potato border is browned and all the vegetables are heated through.
6. After removing it from the oven, finish steak (spread with butter and sprinkle with minced parsley, salt and paprika).
Serve on the plank serves 4 to 6.


Variations:

Chateaubriand-The story goes that back in the days of Napoleon, French Chef Montmirail created a special dish for French author and statesman, Francois Chateaubriand. He took a cut of beef from the largest part of the tenderloin, just down, or up; depending on which way you look at it; from what is now considered the fillet mignon, seasoned it with black pepper, grilled it, and then finished it with butter. This cut, now synonymous with the recipe. Like all really good steaks, (any steak worth eating) Chateaubriand is thick, large enough to serve at least two people
The meat is carved, at the table, into thin strips and served with Château and Béarnaise sauce. Traditionally, instead of Duchess Potatoes, hand carved, Château potatoes are served. Of course the beef tenderloin steak is one of the more expensive, less nutritive cuts; and lacking in flavour, but if you want to make a meal that is sure to impress, this is a good one to choose.
I include here a recipe for Chateaubriand that is slightly unusual in that it is served with Artichokes Béarnaise and does not include the traditional Château or even Duchess Potatoes (see recipe included under how to cook a really, really, good steak).
8 large artichokes
1)    2- 2 lbs. each-cuts from the large end of beef fillet
2)    Suitable variety of cooked vegetables
3)    With sharp knife, cut stem from artichoke and cut off two- thirds of tops, leaving 1- inch bottoms
4)    With scissors, trim thorny tips from leaves; brush cut edges with lemon juice to prevent discolouration. Pull loose leaves from around bottom.
5)    Cook bottoms; cool slightly; with spoon scoop out and discard fuzzy “chokes”. Return the artichokes to cooking liquid and keep them warm.
6)    Broil steaks to desired degree of doneness as described above.
7)    Prepare Béarnaise sauce.
8)    To serve: With slotted spoon, remove artichoke bottoms from cooking liquid; drain on paper towels; spoon some Béarnaise sauce into centre of each.
9)    Slice meat thickly. Arrange meat slices on plank, in centre of a large warm platter, and surround them with the stuffed artichokes inter-spaced with the other cooked vegetables.
Eating Artichokes: Pull out a leaf and dip base in Béarnaise sauce; pull through teeth, scraping out the pulp. Discard leaves on plate.

Traditional Fillet Mignon

Ingredients:
3 lbs. beef fillet
Butter
Salt pork      
Salt and pepper
Flour
Method:
1. Remove any skin, fat, and ligaments, with a sharp knife.
2. Lard the upper surface with strips of fat salt pork and rub the entire surface with soft butter.
3. Dredge well with salt, pepper, and flour, and place the fillet, without water, in a small shallow pan.
4. Bake in a slow oven (300 F.) Or cut tenderloin into thick steaks and broil.Serves: 8.

THE GARBAGE
 that you, see pictured-on Google Images, for example, 
like the image directly below,
 IS NOT CHATEAUBRIAND
 THE REAL CHATEAUBRIAND  IS MORE ABOUT
THE RECIPE
 AND
 (having been first prepared for 
Nobility and State Functions) 
THE CARVING, AND PRESENTATION,
THAN THE ACTUAL PIECE OF MEAT

IT DOES NOT, OR RATHER, SHOULD NOT, LOOK LIKE THE  BOILED/BRAISED, BEEF A LA MODE, BEAVER, ROAD KILL, WHATEVER, YOUR GUESS,  ALL YOU CAN EAT OR FORCE DOWN, FAST FOOD CAFETERIA, SLOPPY MESS, SHOWN ABOVE.
Instead, real Chateaubriand is presented as a very elegant and special dish for which a Porterhouse or quality T- bone may be used in the recipe, instead of all fillet.   
The recipe calls for at least four different vegetables, all individually contained, of contrasting colour, not to include  the fluted mushrooms and Château potatoes which are also part of the original recipe.The vegetables must surround the steak, like a floral bouquet (bouquet garni). The reason the first recipe called for two steaks is that anything larger than a two pound cut will take you to the Fillet Mignon; which can also be cut into individual steaks or prepared in one piece for two or more-without US style bacon.
Chateaubriand is all about the carving and the presentation.
The presentation, usually,
 CALLS FOR CHÂTEAU POTATOES
and includes 
BOTH
 BÉARNAISE AND CHATEAUBRIAND SAUCES.
I include this slightly unusual recipe for Chateaubriand (in that it is served with Artichokes Bearnaise and does not include the traditional Château Potatoes); in order to show this all important, presentation.

8 large artichokes
2, 2 lb. cuts from the large or Porterhouse end of beef fillet; not from thethe middle or filet mignon portion.  
         Suitable variety of cooked vegetables
  1. With a  sharp knife, cut stem from artichokes and cut off two-thirds of tops , leaving 1 inch bottoms.
  2. With scissors, trim thorny tips from leaves; brush cut edges with lemon juice, to prevent discolouration. Pull louse leaves from around bottom.
  3. Cook bottoms; cool slightly; with spoon scoop out and discard fuzzy "chokes". Return the artichokes to cooking liquid to keep them warm.
  4. Broil steaks to desired degree of doneness (no more than medium rare).
  5. Prepare Bearnaise sauce.
  6. To serve: With slotted spoon, remove artichoke bottoms from  cooking liquid; drain on paper towels; spoon some Bearnaise sauce into the centre of each. Slice meat thinly. Arrange meat in slices on plank, in centre of a large warm platter; and surround them with stuffed artichokes, inter spaced with the other bouquet of cooked vegetables
Eating Artichokes: Pull out a leaf and dip base in Béarnaise sauce; pull through teeth, scraping out the pulp. Discard leaves on plate.

More traditionally Chateaubriand is a six pound tenderloin (size can vary but it must serve two or more people), seasoned with coarse black pepper. Some cooks will also use salt. I do not agree with this practice, because salt draws the juices out of the meat and it can always be added after the steak is cooked. Most North American consumers will add salt in any case, usually without ever having tasted the steak. Very simply cooked Chateaubriand is still a hallmark of first class dining. It is usually presented on a plank, accompanied by four or five different, unmixed vegetables of contrasting colour , Château potatoes, and both Chateaubriand  and Béarnaise sauce.
   Note:  As the illustrations below clearly indicate, Chateau potatoes are not olive shaped, are not usually roasted, and they are never deep fried.     
    The Recipe:
1-20 oz piece of beef tenderloin (or as above recipe) cut from the large end (head)
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Freshly cracked black pepper
 Béarnaise Sauce: Béarnaise sauce is simply a Hollandaise sauce(warm mayonnaise) but made with a tarragon vinegar reduction. In any case here is a recipe.
  2/3 cup white wine vinegar
  1 shallot minced
  1-1/2 tsp dried tarragon
  4 large egg yolks
  2 Tbsps water
  ½ cup (stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
       Coarse salt
Ø  In a small sauce pan, bring vinegar, shallot, and tarragon to a boil. Cook until liquid has reduced to 2 Tbsps, about 4 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Rinse out saucepan and return the strained vinegar to the pan.
Ø  Add egg yolks and the 2 Tbsps water. Cook, over low heat, whipping constantly, until mixture thickens and forms thick ribbons, 3 to 4 minutes.
Ø  Whip in the butter, one piece at a time: if sauce gets too hot (starts to bubble), remove from heat and whip in a piece of butter. Continue whipping until all the butter has been absorbed, about, about 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and immediately transfer to a bowl to stop further cooking. Season with salt. Use immediately or keep warm in a Bain-marie.
      Chateaubriand Sauce
6 Tbsps. unsalted butter
3 mushroom caps 1"-1 ½" minced
½ bay leaf
1/8 tsp dried thyme
½ cup dry white wine
½ cup beef stock
1-1/2 tsps minced parsley
Salt and cracked black pepper
Ø  Heat 3 Tbsps butter in skillet over med heat. Add Shallots and cook until softened. Stir in mushrooms and cook a few minutes
Ø  Add bay leaf, thyme and wine Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid has evaporated.
Ø  Remove the bay leaf and the thyme sprig.
Ø  Add the stock, tarragon, parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and whip in remaining butter bit by bit.
Ø  Taste and adjust seasonings
Ø  Set aside in a warm bain-marie.


     Château Potatoes

This illustration is intended to show the size and shape of the potato. There should be no knife marks on the finished potato
The somewhat pointy potatoes (shown top) are very poorly done but the illustration does at least give some slight indication of how they should look.
Ø  Cut potatoes into rectangular blocks 1 inch by 2 inches.
Ø  With a paring knife; and removing as little of the potato as possible from the sides, shape the blocks into smooth round barrel (not olive-which is an entirely different potato, used in en entirely different way) keep the ends blunt. There should be no visible knife marks.
Ø  Place in water and parboil until about ¾ cooked, times will vary according to the type of potato used and the water content. Originally Château potatoes were always prepared from a mealy such as the Russet and this step was omitted.
Ø  Using butter and a light skillet so you can keep the potatoes moving, sauté until a uniform golden brown.
Ø  Sprinkle with minced parsley before serving. The potatoes should be well glazed with butter. In the modern, high production kitchens of North America potatoes are most often roasted; but they are not château potatoes and the flavour and texture is entirely different. True Château potatoes are much more delicate in both flavour and texture.


      I have inserted another illustration of a reasonably good CHATEAUBRIAND PRESENTATION; which, while it, like the above recipe, does deviate from tradition somewhat; also serves to illustrate that the PRESENTATION is MORE IMPORTANT than rigidly trying to stick with any interpretation of the original recipe. NOTE: Carving and portioning of the steak should always be done at the table and is an integral part of  the ceremony that goes with PROPER PRESENTATION.
©Al (Alex-Alexander)D. Girvan. All rights reserved.

Sunday, 20 November 2011

Easy Hollandaise Sauce-


Easy Hollandaise Sauce-Two modern methods
Divide ½ cup butter into 3 equal parts. In the top of a double boiler over hot water or in a bowl set in hot water, put 4 egg yolks and 1 part of the butter. Stir the mixture rapidly and constantly until the butter is melted. Add the second piece of butter. As the mixture thickens and the butter melts, add the third part, continuing to stir constantly from the bottom of the pan until the butter is thoroughly incorporated. Do not let the water over which the sauce is cooking come to a boil.
          Remove the saucepan from the heat and beat the sauce for at least 2 minutes longer. Add 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar and a pinch each of white pepper and salt. Replace the saucepan over hot but not boiling water and beat the sauce for 2 minutes longer.
          Should the mixture curdle, immediately beat in 1 to 2 tablespoons boiling water to rebind the emulsion.
No. 2.
Melt ½ cup butter or margarine in a double boiler over 1 inch boiling water. Add a dash of cayenne, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 egg yolks. Reduce heat; beat well with a rotary beater until thick. Serve immediately.

Microwave Hollandaise Sauce


Perfect sauce in 90 seconds. The secret is in the whipping, every 15 seconds,
1/3 cup       butter
1/2tsp.        dry mustard
2 Tbsp.        fresh lemon juice
2                 egg yolks beaten
In a small batter bowl, melt butter, high, 1 minute. Add dry mustard, lemon juice and egg yolks. Beat with piano wire whip until well combined. Microwave, medium, 1- ½ minutes, whipping every 15 seconds. Yields about 2/3 cup.

Hollandaise--Figaro Sauce


Figaro Sauce
To 1- ½ cups hollandaise sauce beat in 3 tablespoons tomato puree and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Fold in a tablespoon finely minced parsley, season with cayenne and salt to taste. For cold pork, fish, or game.

Hollandaise Maltaise Sauce


Maltaise Sauce
When hollandaise sauce is ready to serve, add 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice (from a blood orange, if possible) and a little finely grated orange zest. The sauce should be pink and a little pink food colouring may be added to make it so. Serve with asparagus and similar vegetables.

Hollandaise Sauce Mousseline


Sauce Mousseline
In the top of a double boiler over hot water heat equal amounts hollandaise sauce and stiffly whipped cream, stirring very carefully and constantly until the sauce is thoroughly heated. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot. For vegetables or fish.

Béarnaise Sauce


Béarnaise Sauce-While this sauce is truly only a variation of hollandaise, because of the short shelf life, it is usually prepared as a separate sauce.
Combine 1 cup white wine with 1 tablespoon each of tarragon vinegar and finely diced shallots, 2 small stalks tarragon, large dice, 1 small sprig parsley, 1 small sprig chervil, finely minced, and 2 bruised peppercorns. Cook the mixture over high heat until it is reduced by one third and strain it. Cool it slightly. Stirring constantly and vigorously, add 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten, alternately with 1 cup butter, melted, or enough butter to make the sauce the consistency of heavy cream, Blend the sauce thoroughly over low heat, strain it through a fine sieve, and finish with a dash of cayenne and a teaspoon each of finely minced tarragon and chervil. For meats or fish.

Sauce Valoise--For Eggs or Broiled Chicken


Sauce Valoise
To 1 cup béarnaise sauce add 1 teaspoon melted beef extract to give a light brownish colour. For eggs or broiled chicken.

Hollandaise Egg Sauce Parisian--For Codfish



Combine 2 egg yolks and 2 teaspoons tarragon vinegar. Heat 1 tablespoon butter or 2 tablespoons olive oil in the top of a double boiler over hot but not boiling water. Whip in the egg yolks and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it has the consistency of thick cream. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 hard-cooked egg, coarsely diced, and 1 teaspoon finely minced chervil. Old in 2 egg whites stiffly beaten, and serve the sauce arm.

Sauce Beurre Blanc-White Butter Hollandaise Sauce



In a saucepan cook 3 shallots, finely diced, with 6 tablespoons of the liquid in which fish was cooked, 1/4 cup wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until the liquid is reduced to about 1/4cup. Partially remove the pan from the heat and add, bit by bit, ½ pound sweet butter, beating constantly with a piano wire whip until the butter is melted and the sauce is creamy white, thick, and foamy

A History of Sauces


A History of Sauces


 In leading Paris restaurants the saucier is second in rank only to the head chef. The saucier, prepares sauces and often all stuffings, on his skill alone depends the success of many of the most elaborate dishes in French cuisine. Sauces and stuffings have much in common. Stuffing’s are very much under appreciated by the average cook they, like sauces, give additional flavour and body to dishes; they enhance or glamorize what might otherwise be rather plain fare; and, in terms of preparation, both must be well seasoned and perfectly blended so that the flavours melt together.
            The word “sauce” is a French word that means a relish to make our food more appetizing. Sauces are liquid or semi-liquid foods devised to extend foods, make them look, smell and taste better and hence be more easily digested, more beneficial. 
            Because of the lack of refrigeration in the early days of cooking, meat poultry, fish, and seafood didn’t last long. Sauces and gravies were used to mask the flavour of tainted foods.
200 A. D. – The Romans used sauces todisguise the taste of the food, and to conceal doubtful freshness. According to the articleFood & Cooking in Roman Britain By Marian Woodman:
          “The main course or primae mensai varied both in the number and elaboration of dishes. Roast and boiled meat, poultry, and game or other meat delicacies would be served. No dish was complete without highly flavoured and seasoned sauce.” Contrary to present Canadian preference, “the main object seemed to be to disguise the natural taste of food- possibly to conceal doubtful freshness, possibly to demonstrate the variety of costly spices available to the host” (this practice still exists in the United States today as is evidenced by some of the barbecue and chicken recipes). Some times so many ingredients were used in a sauce it was impossible to single out one flavour. One Roman cook bitterly complained that some of his fellow cooks’” When they season their dinners they don’t use condiments for seasoning but screech owls, which eat out the intestines of the guest alive”. Apicius wrote at the end of one of his recipes for a particularly flavoursome sauce, “No one at table will know what he is eating”. These sauces were usually thickened with wheat flour or crumbled pastry. Honey was often incorporated into a “sweet and sour” dish or sauce.
          Highly flavoured sauces often containing as many as a dozen ingredients were extensively used to mask the natural flavours of ‘Roman food. The most commonly used seasoning was liquamen, the nearest equivalent today being a very strong fish stock, with anchovies as its main ingredient (this was, and still is today, the main purpose of incorporating anchovies in to any dish). This was so popular that it was factory –produced in many towns of the Roman Empire.

Sauces for Fish, Meat, Poultry, Game, and Vegetables



Sauces for Fish, Meat, Poultry, Game, 
and 
Vegetables
            Here with a goodly number of sauces for goose, for gander, and for flesh and fowl, for good Canadian fish, and for eggs and vegetables as well. Special uses are indicated with the recipes
            There are, five foundation, or basic sauces, called in French grandes sauces orsayces meres, these are the Mother Sauces. Two have a record of two hundred years behind them. They have lasted so long not only because they are very good, but also because they are so adaptable and provide a fine basis for a considerable number of other sauces.
            The other three, which also date back to the 18th century, are the “Veloute” the “brune” and the “blonde” These five sauces still provide the basis for making most of the modern sauces.
            Modern sauces may be divided into two classes: the “Careme” and “Escoffier”. Among the faithful in the great kitchens of the world, Escoffier is to Careme what the New Testament is to the Old. See “Mother Sauces for descriptions of the five basic sauces.
            France has been thought to be the originator of the Western world’s elegant cuisine. Actually, French chefs were able to take what they had learned in Italy, Spain, Russia, Germany Switzerland, and yes even the Americas (after all, potatoes, beans, corn or maize, squash, tomatoes and chocolate are all ”New World” products, and whileNONE of them come from North America and they ALL originated with a people who had a much different cultural heritage and life style than any North American Indian, they figure largely in French and world cuisine) and incorporate their ideas into culinary art.
            The “fond” (foundation) of much of Canadian, like French, cuisine is good stock. Stock can be used to make sauces soups, and flavour dishes. Stock is meant to be aromatic without being overpowering.
Probably because of the huge French influence in our country, sauces have always played an important part in our cooking. Canadians learned very early that they can add variety, taste, and appeal without adding expense.  
Obviously, the early kitchens did not have the huge variety of ingredients called for in some of the recipes I include here.  Just as obviously, there is also much truth in the French-promulgated calumny that “the Americans have only one sauce and only one religion-greed”. There is also legitimate connection between sauces and religion.
            Sauce makers may be born, but they can be made, given an amateur of fine cookery endowed with a fund of patience and industry. Supply the tyro saucier with a small, flat-bottomed saucepan, a wooden spoon, and a wire whip. Tell him that there are literally hundreds of very old traditional sauces from which he can choose. Tell him that many of the world’s most famous dishes were named more for the sauce than any of the other ingredients. Warn him never to cease watching the sauce, remind him or her that they must stir and stir the sauce as it simmers to perfection.
            Say with Escoffier, travaillez bien votre sauce, devote yourself to your sauce, for a sauce emphasizes flavour, provides contrast, and makes perfection complete.
Sauces add variety to the diet, stimulate appetite, aid digestion, improve nutrition and are the very basis of good cooking. Unfortunately, as with cooking methods, many home cooks do not understand how they are prepared or how to use them. A sauce should not be slouched all over the plate, hide the food, or have the food swimming in it. A sauce is supposed to make foods more attractive to the eye and to the palate.
            A good saucier has an excellent "nose" and a keen sense of taste. The day’s first task for the sauce chef is to make the basic or "Mother Sauces".
             From these he can create many others by simply adding a seasoning, a wine, some cream, some eggs, brown or white stock. WithBordeaux wine added Espagnole becomes Bordelaise; with onions added basic veloutebecomes Sauce Soubise; these and many other variations can be made in just a few moments.
            The art of the saucier is applied in the same way to stuffing’s, which can be varied by adding different seasonings, herbs, bits of diced meat or nuts. Bread stuffing’s need not always be made of plain white bread; brown bread is good, and sometimes rye.
Learn to make these sauces and stuffing’s; they offer you a wide choice on which to build. Then remember the Frenchsauciers trick of variations and try experimenting. Use your "nose" and taste buds. Always be sure you season well and season with flavourings that blend together.