1 cup milk or whipping cream
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce: Add 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

To prepare white sauce, over medium heat, bring milk just to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. With a wooden spoon stir in flour until mixture is thoroughly blended and bubbly (about 2 minutes). Gradually add reserved milk, whisking constantly. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, continuing to stir. Add salt and pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thick and smooth (5 to 10 minutes).

To prepare the cheese sauce, gradually add 1/2 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese to thickened white sauce and stir until cheese melts. Taste and adjust seasoning. White sauce yield: 1 cup (serving size: 1 Tbsp.). Cheese sauce yield: 1-1/4 cups (serving size: 1 Tbsp.).

Makes 16 servings.