Italian-style Béchamel Sauce

== Description ==
Although widely recognized by its French name, béchamel, this sauce has been known in Italy as besciamella (or balsamella or bechimella) for centuries. The sauce functions as a binding element in many pasta and vegetable dishes. it is also used as a topping in baked dishes, most notably lasagna and cannelloni, to prevent them from drying out.
* Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
* Source: Authentic Italian Cooking
== Ingredients ==
* 3 tbsp butter
* 4 tbsp sifted flour
* 2 cups of milk
* salt and pepper to taste
== Directions ==
# Melt butter in a heavy medium pan over medium low heat.
# Add sifted flour and whisk for 1½ minutes.
# Do not allow to brown.
# Gradually add milk, whisking constantly.
# Season to taste with salt and pepper and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until sauce is the consistency of thick cream, about 15 minutes.
Category:Cathy's Recipes
Category:Italian Recipes
Category:Sauce Recipes