Here are some key points from Escoffier's writing about mother sauces:
* He identified five "mother sauces": Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise, and Tomato. These sauces served as the starting point for countless variations and derivative sauces.
* He advocated for their importance: Escoffier saw the mother sauces as the building blocks of classic French cuisine, essential for creating complex and flavorful sauces.
* He emphasized precision: Escoffier was known for his meticulous approach to cooking, and he stressed the importance of using precise proportions and techniques when making mother sauces.
* He encouraged experimentation: While Escoffier emphasized the importance of mastering the classic mother sauces, he also encouraged chefs to experiment and create their own variations.
While Escoffier never explicitly stated a specific quote about mother sauces, his influence on their use is undeniable. His approach, emphasizing clarity, precision, and building blocks, continues to be influential in culinary education today.