Bread Sauce

Directions

1. 1
   Make small holes in the onion using a skewer and stick the cloves in them.
2. 2
   Put the onion, bay leaf, and peppercorns in a pan.
3. 3
   Pour in milk.
4. 4
   Bring to a boil.
5. 5
   Remove from heat, cover.
6. 6
   Set aside for 1 hour.
7. 7
   To make the sauce, discard onion and bay leaf.
8. 8
   Strain milk to remove peppercorns.
9. 9
   Return to a clean pan and add breadcrumbs.
10. 10
    Cook over low heat 4-5 minutes until breadcrumbs have swollen and sauce is thick.
11. 11
    Beat in butter.
12. 12
    Season well with salt and pepper and a good grating of nutmeg.
13. 13
    Stir in cream just before serving, if you are using it.