Cornstarch has twice the thickening power of flour. When a gravy, sauce, soup or stew recipe calls for flour, use half as much cornstarch to thicken. To thicken hot liquids, first mix cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth. Gradually stir into hot liquid until blended. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and boil one minutes.
Quick and Easy Gravy
Reserve 2 Tbsp. fat drippings in roasting pan. Add 1 3/4 cups broth or water. Cook over medium heat, stirring to loosen browned bits. Remove from heat. Mix 2 Tbsp. cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water until smooth, stir into pan, season to taste. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat; boil 2 minutes.
Makes 2 cups.
Classic White Sauce
Mix 1 Tbsp. cornstarch and 1 cup milk until smooth. Add 2 Tbsp. margarine, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Stirring constantly, bring to boil over medium heat; boil 1 minute. Use for creamed vegetables, meat, poultry, fish or casseroles.
