Improvising Mayonnaise-Based Sauces

A walk-in refrigerator containing fruits and vegetables, leftover sauces, varieties of fish and shellfish, and perhaps an array of well-made stocks can be a powerful inspiration to a chef looking to devise a new and interesting mayonnaise-based sauce. Often a particular ingredient will stand out and suggest itself as the focal point of the sauce. Perhaps there are some wild mushrooms, some smoked fish, or too many sweet peppers—any of which can be used to make an original sauce. Once the central flavor of the sauce has been decided, peripheral ingredients and components can be added to the sauce to shape its final flavor, texture, and color.