Basic Cheese Sauce

1/4 cup butter
1/8 to 1/4 cup flour
salt and pepper to taste
approx 2-3 cup milk or half & half
approx 2 cups shredded cheese

Melt butter in saucepan. Add flour, salt, and pepper. Stir until mixed together. Cook until bubbly. Slowly whisk in milk or half & half. Cook over medium to medium high heat until just boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 1-2 minutes. Add shredded cheese and stir until all of the cheese is melted and mixed in well. If too thick, add milk until desired consistency.

Suggested uses:
- Simple au gratin veggies: Pour over steamed broccoli and/or cauliflower in baking dish. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
- Easy Broccoli, cheese, rice casserole: Mix together cooked rice, steamed broocoli, and cheese sauce. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, until bubbly.
- Simple homemade mac-n-cheese: Pour over cooked pasta in baking dish. Top with more shredded cheese. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese has melted.
- Easy "gourmet" pasta - Use shredded parmesan and mozzerella for the cheese sauce. After cheese is melted, add in about 1/2 to 1/3 cup of your favorite marinara sauce, and some chopped fresh basil. Toss sauce with cooked pasta of your choice and sliced, grilled chicken. Top with parmesan.

Recipe(s) by Meredith