Sauces and Gravies

Sauce derives its name from a Latin word meaning salted. Sauce is used in different countries in different ways but has normally the same thin consistency. Sauces can be served hot or cold and can be made from a variety of ingredients more well known are mint sauce and tomato sauce. Gravy on the other hand is usually made from the juices from cooked meats incorporating flour and milk to make a thicker gravy to accompany meats such as roast beef, pork and chicken. Gravy is coloured brown by the use of sugars contained in the meat juices that are caramelized to a brown colour. Gravy is then thickened with flour and butter known as a roux. Not all sauce contains a roux such as apple sauce which is often served with roast pork. Although we might think they are the same both sauce and gravies can be made and used in totally different ways. One sure thing no matter sauce or gravy, they both add to the flavour of the dish being eaten. Did you know a chef, who is solely responsible for making sauce in commercial kitchens is known as a "saucier."