Basic Bechamel Sauce

Step 1: Combine milk, onion and bay leaf in a saucepan and bring almost to the boiling point over moderate heat.

Step 2: Remove from the heat and cook for 5 minutes to infuse flavours.

Step 3: Melt butter in a saucepan over moderate heat and add flour and cook and stir for 1 minutes or until thick.

Step 4: Remove from the heat and strain warm milk mixture into a jug and gradually whisk milk mixture in the flour mixture.

Step 5: Return to a moderate heat and cook and stir for 5 minutes or until mixture boils and thickens.

Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste.