National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Culinary Practice Exam

Equal parts flour and fat are used to produce which of the following?

1. Pâte à choux

2. Roux

3. Crème brûlée

4. Ganache

The correct answer is: Roux

The mixture of equal parts flour and fat is fundamental in creating a roux, which is a classic thickening agent in culinary applications. Roux is made by cooking flour with a fat, commonly butter, until the mixture reaches a desired color and flavor. This technique is commonly employed to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies. The process allows the starches in the flour to swell and absorb liquid, creating a smooth consistency, which is why it's essential in many recipes. Other options, while they are important elements in cooking, do not consist of equal parts of flour and fat. Pâte à choux, for example, involves a different ratio and incorporates eggs, resulting in a light, airy pastry dough. Crème brûlée is a custard dessert made primarily with cream, sugar, and egg yolks, without any flour. Ganache is a rich mixture of chocolate and cream typically used as a glaze or filling, and it does not involve flour at all. Thus, the specific combination of equal parts flour and fat uniquely characterizes roux.