Peel, cube and pre-cook 4 or 5 large potatoes. This may be done in your microwave oven.

Brown in a large saucepan about 3/4 pound sliced Eckrich smoked beef sausage. Drain. Remove browned sausage to a plate.

In same pan, saute 1 large diced onion in 1 tablespoon of butter. Remove onions to plate.

In same pan, melt 1/4 cup butter (4 tablespoons), stir in 1/4 cup flour, making a smooth paste, add 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 6 cups milk, stirring to keep mixture smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. (You may scald part of the milk in your microwave oven ahead of time, to save time.)

Add meat and onion and potatoes to white sauce (mash some of the potatoes with a fork before combining, if desired). Bring soup just to a boil, but do not boil or white sauce will curdle.