This recipe was discussed on ABC radio cooing talkback with Mel Bush and I yesterday morning.

Basic cheese sauce

Ingredients

90g butter

1 onion, finely diced, optional

5 level tablespoons plain flour

3 cups milk

½ to 1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard or a pinch of mustard powder

1 cup grated cheese

3 teaspoons lemon juice (or to taste)

2 teaspoons chutney, optional

Method

Melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft.  Add the flour and cook one minute longer, stirring. 

Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. 

Bring to the boil, still stirring, then reduce heat and cook 3 minutes until thickened.

Add salt to taste and then cheese, stirring until melted.

Variations

• For curry sauce, add 2 teaspoons or more of curry powder after the onions are sauteed and cook for 2 minutes more.
• For parsley sauce add 1 tablespoon or two of chopped parsley.