thickeners = thickening agents = liaisons Notes: Thickeners add substance and body to sauces, stews, soups, puddings, pie fillings, and other dishes. Tips: Before you add a thickener to a sauce, skim the fat from the top. Once you've added the thickener, the fat will be harder to remove.Flour is a good thickener for gravies, gumbos, and...