Bechamel Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

5 tablespoons butter
1 onion
1 tablespoon black pepper (fresh ground)
1/2 teaspoon clove (ground)
2 large bay leaves, broken
3 large garlic cloves, crushed
4 1/2 tablespoons flour
4 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leave
1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Set 4 QT saucepan over medium heat, add butter, onion, pepper, cloves, bay leaves,.
and garlic. Sautee until aromatic, about 4 minutes.
Blend in the flour and stir about 3 minutes.
Gradually add the milk and stir until it boils lightly (may need to increase to Med-High heat).
Once boils, lower heat and simmer uncovered about 8 minutes, or until sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon and has no raw flour taste.
Pour through a fine strainer, stirring and pressing to extract all the flavors. Stir in the cream, salt (add to taste, may not need the entire TSP) and finally the thyme.
Use immediately.