Béchamel Sauce - Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 pinch dried thyme
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup finely graded White Cheddar or Swiss cheese.

In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in salt, white pepper, onion, then stir in flour.
Add cold half-and-half and cold chicken broth all at once. Stir well.
Cook, stirring frequently, at medium heat until thick.
Remove from heat and stir in seasoning.

1/4 cup finely graded White Cheddar or Swiss cheese can be added to mixture when finished if desired.

Makes about 1 cup.