3 tbsp. cornstarch or flour
3 tbsp. butter
1 c. milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter over low to medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for a minute, stirring constantly. Add salt and pepper. Slowly add milk while stirring. Continue to cook and stir until it thickens.

I use this recipe as a starter for cream soups and tuna casserole. Cheese can be added to it to make an excellent sauce for scalloped potatoes. It is also good when spooned over fried salmon patties (cakes).