CREAM SAUCE

Add a few tablespoons of Chardonnay or dry white wine, or add some Parmesan cheese to give this basic sauce a little zing.

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup heated milk
* 1/3 cup heavy cream
* salt
* white pepper
* freshly ground nutmeg (optional)
* Few tablespoons dry white wine, a few teaspoons mixed fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, etc.

PREPARATION:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir until mixture is well blended. Gradually stir in hot milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce begins to boil and thickens. Simmer, stirring frequently, over very low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in cream and wine, if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add a little nutmeg and herbs, if desired. Makes about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of medium thick sauce.