White Sauce Recipe

In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Yield: 2/3 cup. Editor’s Note: Cheese Sauce: Prepare as directed, omitting salt. Add 3/4 cup shredded cheddar, Swiss, American or Gruyere cheese; cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted. Yield: 1 cup. Herb Garlic Sauce: Prepare as directed, except saute 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic in the melted butter for 1-2 minutes or until tender. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon herb of your choice (caraway seed, celery seed, dried basil, oregano or rubbed sage) with the flour. Yield: 3/4 cup. Lemon Chive Sauce: Prepare as directed. Stir in 1 tablespoon minced chives and 1/2 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel. Yield: 3/4 cup. Parmesan Sauce: Prepare as directed, omitting salt. Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted. Yield: 2/3 cup.