Best Basic Steak Sauce

Directions

1. 1
   Chop one slice of ham and 1/3 cup each carrots, onions, and celery.
2. 2
   Cook the ham, carrots, onions, and celery in six tablespoons clarified butter for about 10 minutes.
3. 3
   (Tip: to quickly clarify butter, heat six tablespoons in the microwave for 90 seconds and skim the white foam that forms on the surface).
4. 4
   Stir in four tablespoons flour
5. 5
   Cook, stirring constantly, for 10 minutes
6. 6
   Pour in six cups boiling beef stock, blending with a whiskthis doesnt need to be fancy stock, but it does need to be boiling.
7. 7
   I usually just microwave this while cooking the vegetables.
8. 8
   Optional: add a bay leaf and a sprig of rosemary and/or thyme.
9. 9
   Simmer, partially covered, for two hours.