Vintage Cheese And Crabmeat Soup

In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter or margarine add the flour and stir well forming a paste or roux. Add the salt and pepper. Slowly add the milk or half-and-half stirring constantly until thickened. (Note: This may take a little while but keep close as it can scorch quickly.)

Add cheese and continue to stir well until all cheese melts and mixture is smooth. Add the hot pepper sauce and the crab and allow to heat through. Ladle into individual bowls and sprinkle with chives just before serving.