CORNFLOUR Also known as cornstarch, this fine maize flour is gluten-free. It is light and smooth, producing velvety- textured sauces, usually made by the blending method. For smooth results it has to be mixed to a smooth paste with a little cold liquid (a technique known as slaking) before adding hot liquid. It is widely used in Chinese sauces, and its light, slightly jellied, texture makes it particularly suitable for sweet sauces and blancmange, or light sauces for coating foods.