Old-Fashioned Vanilla Sauce

This Vanilla Sauce, made with water, flour and a little butter, is less rich than many dessert sauces. The recipe below is like the one Grandma served with her steamed carrot (and potato) pudding, although she did not add allspice - just a little nutmeg. That's what I do, too.

I might try it with browned butter sometime, but I might need to stir the sauce prior to serving. I have made it with using a roux with the flour and butter - as for white sauce - cooking to a light tan (watch it carefully). Using a roux changes the texture of the sauce.

Spiced Vanilla Sauce with Butter
Original from Diana Rattray, About.com Guide

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice (optional)
1 cup cold water
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation:
In saucepan, mix together the sugar, flour, nutmeg, and (allspice); blend in cold water. Bring to a simmer and simmer until clear and thickened. Blend in butter and vanilla. Serve over hot fritters or with steamed pudding, bread pudding, baked apples or other dessert.