Béchamel Sauce

3 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. plain flour
1 cup hot milk
Salt, pepper and a pinch of ground nutmeg

Melt the butter or margarine in a heavy saucepan. Gradually stir in the flour with a wooden spoon over a low heat, and then add the milk slowly, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season to taste with salt, pepper and ground nutmeg, and simmer gently over a very low heat for 5 minutes before using.