Broccoli with Homemade Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/8 cup (1/4 stick) butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1+1/2 teaspoons salt (some is for the broccoli)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 bag (16 ounces) broccoli florets, about two heads of broccoli

Combine milk and cornstarch in a small saucepan and

 stir together with a whisk.

 

 Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly,

 until just boiling.

 

Reduce heat to low and stir in the butter until melted.

 

 Add cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper and stir constantly

 until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth and fully blended.

 

 Cover and set aside.

 

Fill a medium saucepan 3/4 full with water and add the

 remaining teaspoon of salt.

 

 Heat over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil and then

 add the broccoli and boil until crisp tender 4-5 minutes.

 

Drain broccoli and place it in a serving bowl.

 

Pour cheese sauce over broccoli and serve warm.