Basic Italian White Cream Sauce Like An Alfredo Or Bechamel Food

BECHAMEL - BASIC WHITE SAUCE

Steps:

• Scald the milk with the onion, bay leaf and peppercorns.
• Cover and let infuse off heat for 10-15 minutes.
• In a heavy based saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour and cook, stirring, until the flour is foaming but not browned- about 1 minute.
• Off heat, strain in the hot milk.
• Whisk well, then bring to a boil, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
• season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and leave to simmer slowly for 1-2 minutes.
• NOTE: This make what is called a "MEDIUM" Bechamel.
• For a "THIN" Bechamel use 2 tbs. butter and 2 tbs. flour.
• For a "THICK" Bechamel use 4 tbs. butter and 4 tbs. flour.

BASIC BECHAMEL (WHITE SAUCE)

Steps:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, until blended, 1 minute. Add the paprika and/or nutmeg (if using) and add the bay leaf.
• Gradually add the warm milk, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and white pepper.
• Increase the heat to medium and simmer to blend the flavors, 2 minutes. Discard the bay leaf before using.
• Now you can use your sauce any way you like. Like I said before, my personal favorite use is for making Recipe #514039, but I also like eating this bechamel, AS IS, on veggies or making a cheese sauce (see *Notes below). Enjoy!
• *Note: For a thinner sauce, reduce the flour and butter to 2 tablespoons each, but stay the same with the liquid(s). (I highly recommend this if you plan to make a cheese sauce with this (posted below).
• *Note: To create a cheese sauce, whisk 1/2 cup (or more) of grated Gruyère, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Sharp Cheddar or Farm-house White Cheddar (my fav) or any other cheese into the finished béchamel sauce. If a lighter cheese sauce is desired, substitute chicken stock for part of the milk, or use a lesser amount of the flour & butter ratio (like posted above).

WHITE CREAM SAUCE FOR PASTA

Steps:

• Melt butter over low heat in wide sauce pan, or deep skillet.
• Stir in flour and mix with a wooden spoon until blended.
• Slowly add milk to pan, careful not to burn it.
• When milk is fully intergrated into rue, increase heat and reduce for 10 minutes, stir often to prevent burn.
• If sauce too thick, add more milk.
• If too thin, add more flour.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour over warmed buttered pasta, and cover with cheese.
• Serve immediatlly.

BASIC ITALIAN WHITE CREAM SAUCE (LIKE AN ALFREDO OR BECHAMEL)

Steps:

• Melt butter in small saucepan cooking over low to medium heat, stirring for about 5 minutes.
• Add flour and stir until the butter and flour are well combined. Pour in cream & remaining ingredients, stirring constantly as it thickens.
• Add more cream or flour depending on desired consistency.