nappé

Definition

The correct consistency for a sauce to coat the back of a spoon in a thin, even layer without immediately running off. It's thicker than water but thinner than your excuses for overcooking the sauce.

Example Usage

Cook the custard until it reaches nappé, meaning it should cling to your spoon and hold a line when you draw your finger through it.

Origin

French for 'covered' or 'coated with a tablecloth'

Fun Fact

The nappé test is one of the most reliable ways to judge sauce consistency without a thermometer or excessive tasting.

Source: Classical French sauce technique

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