White sauce

Method

• step 1

  Put the milk in a pan over a low heat. Press the cloves into the onion and add to the milk along with the bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 30 minutes.

• step 2

  In a separate, heavy-based pan, melt the butter over a medium heat until foaming. Sprinkle over the flour and continually stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the flour absorbs the butter and makes a thick paste. Strain the infused milk into a jug, and add to the roux a splash at a time while continually stirring. Only add a little at first, as you see the flour expand and loosen – if you add the milk too quickly this can make the sauce lumpy. Once the mixture is a little looser, you can add the milk a little more at a time, until it’s all been added.

• step 3

  Cook the white sauce for 4-5 minutes or until lightly thickened. Season with salt, nutmeg and white pepper. It will thicken up a lot as it cools but can be covered and chilled for up to two days. Reheat, stirring well, adding a splash more milk to loosen.