Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

1½ pounds fresh broccoli or 1 package (10 ounce) frozen broccoli spears cooked and drained may be substituted for  fresh broccoli.

6 ounces American cheese, sliced

1/3 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon onion salt

1 drop red pepper sauce (optional)

Prepare broccoli: Trim off large leaves; remove tough ends of lower stems. Wash broccoli. If stems are thicker than 1 inch, make lengthwise gashes in each stem. Heat 1-inch salted water; 1/2 teaspoon salt to 1 cup water. Add broccoli. Cover and heat to boiling. Cook until stems are tender. 12 to 15 minutes.

Heat remaining ingredients over medium heat, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth, 6 to 8 minutes. Pour cheese sauce over broccoli.