Bechamel Sauce

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoon(s) Unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup(s) all purpose flour
• 4 cup(s) warm whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt plus more to taste
• 1 pinch(s) white pepper freshly ground
• 1 pinch(s) nutmeg freshely grated

Preparation

1. In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth, about two minutes. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick, smooth and creamy, about ten minutes [ do not allow the bechamel sauce to boil. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a pinch each of white pepper and nutmeg. Season the sauce with more salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste. [ the sauce can be made up tpo three days ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate.]