BECHAMEL SAUCE (GARLIC OR ONION) & WHITE SAUCE

Bechamel Sauce (garlic or onion) & White Sauce image

Provided by deb baldwin

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 17

BECHAMEL SAUCE
2 Tbsp butter
2 tsp minced onion (i use dried) or minced garlic
2 Tbsp flour
1/4 tsp salt
dash(es) of white pepper
1 c half and half
1 small bay leaf (dried)
WHITE SAUCE
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
opt: 1 tsp chopped chives
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 c milk
OPT: CHEESE SAUCE
1 c shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese of your choice)

Steps:

1. BECHAMEL SAUCE: Place butter and onion (or garlic) in a 2-cup measure. Microwave at high for 1 minute or until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Blend in half and half. Add bay leaf. Reduce power to 50% (medium). Microwave 5 to 7 minutes, or until thickened, stirring after each minute with a wire whip. Discard bay leaf. Serve with poultry or vegetables. Makes about 1 cup.
2. WHITE SAUCE: Melt butter in 1-quart measurer at High (30 to 60 sec). Stir in flour and seasonings until smooth. Blend in milk with a wire whip until smooth. Microwave on High for 2 1/2 to 6 minutes, or until mixture thickens; stir after 2 minutes, and then every minute. Makes 1 cup. CHEESE SAUCE: Add 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese to hot white sauce. Stir until cheese melts. Microwave at high for 30 seconds. Stir before serving. Serve with broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.