Bechamel Sauce

3 tbps flour
2 tbps butter
2 cups milk
salt + pepper

Variations:
cheese bechamel: add 1/4 cup of grated swiss cheese
spiced bechamel: add 1 tsp nutmeg
chicken base bechamel: substitute milk with chicken stock

In 1.5 quart saucepan, melt butter on medium heat. Add flour and mix to obtain a grainy paste. Let simmer for 2 minutes and add milk, salt, and pepper. Slowly bring to a boil while stirring. Remove from heat when creamy and homogeneous.


Variations:

cheese bechamel:
add cheese before removing from heat towards the end

spiced bechamel:
add nutmeg with milk, salt and pepper

chicken bechamel:
exactly the same as with milk, only with substitute.