Veloute

Makes 2 cups. Heat butter in an 8 cup glass measuring cup at 100%, uncovered, for 2 min. Remove from oven. Thoroughly whisk in flour. Cook, uncovered at 100% for 2 min more. Remove from oven. Whisk in cream and broth. Cook, uncovered at 100% for 2 min; stir and cook for 3 min more. Remove from oven, add salt and pepper and whisk until smooth. Add lemon juice to taste. Variation with mushrooms: Increase butter (or fat) to 4 tbsp. Add flour and cook as for Veloute. Add 1/4 lb fresh mushrooms, quartered and sliced (If the mushrooms are very large, cut in smaller pieces). You may also substitute dried mushrooms for a portion of the fresh mushrooms. Add lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper. (The recipe also lists 2 Tbsp of chopped dill as an optional ingredient, but I've never used it.) Cook, uncovered at 100% for 3 min, finish as for Veloute above.