View source for Bechamel Sauce

===Ingredients===

* 4 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons grated onion
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup half-and-half
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
* 1 pinch dried thyme
* 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper

===Directions===

===MICROWAVE METHOD:=== 
#In microwave oven, melt butter in a 1-quart glass measuring pitcher for about 1 minute at HIGH.
# Add grated onion and flour and mix well. 
#Gradually add warm or room temperature chicken broth (NOT hot) and half-and-half to container, stirring constantly.
#Cook uncovered for 5-6 minutes at HIGH or until sauce is thickened. Do NOT boil.
#After 2 minutes, stir mixture, then stir again every 30 seconds to one minute as needed.
#When sauce reaches medium thickness, remove from microwave, add seasonings and stir. Mmmm!
===STOVETOP METHOD:=== 
#In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in the flour, salt and white pepper.
# Add cold half-and-half and COLD chicken broth all at once. Stir well. 
#Cook, stirring frequently, at medium heat until thick. 
#Remove from heat and stir in seasoning.