
A historical sauce from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913).
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Mix two tablespoonfuls of sifted flour with half a teacup of warm butter
Place over the fire a saucepan containing a pint of sweet milk and a saltspoon of salt, and a dash of white pepper
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Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
This is a classic béchamel (white sauce) that relies on a roux—the combination of fat and flour—to thicken milk through gelatinization. When flour's starch granules are heated in fat, they swell and absorb liquid, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Using warm butter helps it incorporate more easily with the flour, preventing lumps. The gentle heating allows the flour to cook out its raw taste while the milk proteins denature and combine with the starch for a silky texture.
The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation, then refrigerate. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking constantly and adding 1-2 tablespoons of milk if needed to restore consistency.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A skin will form on top; whisk it back in when reheating. Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring constantly. Thin with additional milk if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation, then refrigerate. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking constantly and adding 1-2 tablespoons of milk if needed to restore consistency.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A skin will form on top; whisk it back in when reheating. Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring constantly. Thin with additional milk if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.