Classic Bechamel: White Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Pinch salt and white pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat the milk and 1 bay leaf to a gentle simmer, stirring so it doesn't scorch the bottom of the pan. Keep the milk on low heat.

Make a white roux by melting butter over low-medium heat in a thick-bottomed saucepan. Just as the foam subsides, add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to coat the flour and remove the starchy taste. Do not allow to brown. Remove from heat, then gradually add a bit of the warm milk to the roux and whisk vigorously. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring up to a low simmer, continuing to add more milk and whisk. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Check seasoning; add salt, white pepper, garlic and the remaining bay leaf.

To prevent a skin from forming as the sauce cools, lay a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface.

Serve with fish, shellfish, vegetables or egg dishes.