The Book of Household Management by Mrs. Beeton

483. INGREDIENTS.--1/2 pint of Béchamel, No. 367, 1 bay-leaf, seasoning

to taste of pounded mace and cayenne, 6 onions, a small piece of ham. _Mode_.--Peel the onions and cut them in halves; put them in a stewpan, with just sufficient water to cover them, and add the bay-leaf, ham, cayenne, and mace; be careful to keep the lid closely shut, and simmer them until tender. Take them out and drain thoroughly; rub them through a tammy or sieve (an old one does for the purpose) with a wooden spoon, and put them to 1/2 pint of Béchamel; keep stirring over the fire until it boils, when serve. If it should require any more seasoning, add it to taste. _Time_.--3/4 hour to boil the onions. _Average cost_, 10d. for this quantity. _Sufficient_ for a moderate-sized dish. WHITE ONION SAUCE, for Boiled Rabbits, Roast Shoulder of Mutton, &c.