Bechamel Sauce

Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon black pepper (fresh ground)
• 1/2 teaspoon clove (ground)
• 2 large bay leaves, broken
• 3 large garlic cloves, crushed
• 4 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 4 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leave
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. 1

   Set 4 QT saucepan over medium heat, add butter, onion, pepper, cloves, bay leaves,.

2. 2

   and garlic. Sautee until aromatic, about 4 minutes.

3. 3

   Blend in the flour and stir about 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Gradually add the milk and stir until it boils lightly (may need to increase to Med-High heat).

5. 5

   Once boils, lower heat and simmer uncovered about 8 minutes, or until sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon and has no raw flour taste.

6. 6

   Pour through a fine strainer, stirring and pressing to extract all the flavors. Stir in the cream, salt (add to taste, may not need the entire TSP) and finally the thyme.

7. 7

   Use immediately.