Equipment Needed

• saucepan
• wooden spoon
• thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

• liquid (broth, wine, sauce base)
• seasonings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pour liquid into saucepan
2. Bring to simmer over medium-high heat
3. Simmer uncovered - this allows evaporation
4. Watch volume decrease - should take 10-20 minutes
5. Stir occasionally
6. Sauce should coat the back of a spoon when done
7. Remove from heat and cool slightly

Professional Tips

• Don't cover pan - steam escapes, concentrating flavor
• Higher heat = faster reduction
• The more reduced, the more concentrated the flavor
• Watch carefully near the end - can burn quickly
• Volume typically reduces to 1/2 or 1/3 original

What to Make

• sauces
• gravies
• concentrating flavors
• cooking reductions