Rockefeller Sauce Base

Directions

1. 1
   Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in a medium pot.
2. 2
   Add the spinach and cook until very tender and the water is green, 5 to 6 minutes.
3. 3
   Drain the spinach in a colander set over a large bowl and reserve 2 3/4 cups of the cooking liquid.
4. 4
   Let the spinach sit until cool enough to handle, then finely chop, and set aside.
5. 5
   Melt the butter in a medium pot over moderately high heat.
6. 6
   When the butter is foamy, add the onions, celery and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
7. 7
   Add the reserved spinach water, bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
8. 8
   Add the chopped spinach, liqueur, salt and pepper and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces slightly, about 10 minutes.
9. 9
   Remove from the heat, add the cracker meal and food coloring, and stir well to combine.
10. 10
    Cool completely before using.