
Béchamel Sauce
To create a cheese sauce, whisk 1/2 cup grated Gruyère, Parmigiano-Reggiano or other cheese into the finished béchamel sauce. If a lighter sauce is desired, substitute chicken stock for part of the milk.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbs. unsalted butter
- 3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups milk, heated, or 1 cup each milk and
chicken stock, heated - Salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
Directions:
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper.
Increase the heat to medium and simmer to blend the flavors, 2 to 3 minutes. Discard the bay leaf before using.