Basic Medium Béchamel Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan or saucier over medium heat. Add flour and stir until mixture is well blended. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.

Gradually stir in hot milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce begins to boil and thickens.

Simmer, stirring frequently, over very low heat for 5 minutes.

For a thin sauce, use 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of flour. For a thick sauce, use 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour.