Chocolate Sauce

2 1/4 c sugar
3/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 T plus 1 1/2 t flour
1/4 t salt
1/2 c heavy cream
1 c milk
1 T vanilla

Place sugar, coca, flour, salt and cream in a medium saucepan and whisk to combine into a thick paste. Add milk and bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat, whisking often. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking frequently. Remove from heat, add vanilla. Allow sauce to cool, or serve warm.

Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, covered. Yield approximately 3 cups chocolate sauce.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Easy Cream Sauce

1/2 c milk
1/4 c cream cheese, softened
1/4 t garlic powder
1/4 t salt
1 t cornstarch
Splash of water
Fresh ground black pepper
Parmesan cheese, to taste

Place milk, cream cheese and garlic powder in small saucepan. Bring just to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Lower heat to medium low. Mix cornstarch with cold water and whisk until very smooth. Add to milk mixture and bring to boil over medium high heat, whisking constantly. Cook an additional minute, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over cooked pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Yield approximately 1 c cream sauce.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

3 T butter
3 T flour
1/2 t salt
1/8 t fresh ground black or white pepper
1 1/2 c milk
1 c grated sharp Cheddar cheese

In medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in flour, salt and pepper. Whisk in 1/4 c milk and whisk until smooth. Gradually add remaining milk, whisking until well mixed. Return to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (approximately 5 minutes). Remove from heat, add cheese and stir until completely melted. Serve over pasta, vegetables or sandwiches.

Yield 2 cups.

Instant Marinara Sauce

14 oz can no sugar added tomato sauce
3 T tomato paste
2 T olive oil
1/4 c grated parmesan cheese
1 t garlic powder
1/2 t dried oregano
1/2 t dried basil
pinch kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Place all ingredients in small saucepan and heat over medium heat to just below boiling. Serve with your favorite pasta. Serves 4.

Chef's Note: Don't skip using tomato paste. It's concentrated flavor gives this recipe a long-cooked taste in a fraction of the time.