Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp cream
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

• Melt the butter in a heavy based saucepan.
• Whisk in the flour until all the lumps are gone and cook about 1-2 minutes while whisking.
• Take off the heat and add the milk and cream and continue to whisk.
• Return to low/medium heat and stir until it starts to thicken.
• Add the cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted.
• If the sauce is too thick, add more milk to achieve the right consistency.
• Season with salt and white pepper.

To create a lighter, fluffier sauce e.g. to top lasagne or moussaka:-

• Alternatively use parmesan cheese instead of cheddar.
• Let the sauce cool.
• Whisk an egg in a bowl and add a small amount of the cooled sauce while whisking.
• Return the egg mixture to the sauce and fold through.
• Add some grated nutmeg for flavour.