All Purpose Country Gravy - The Measured Scoop

Ingredients

• 1 lb sliced bacon, ground sausage, or quartered mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons olive oil if using mushrooms
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (SEE NOTE)
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1/4 cup minced celery
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon salt, more to taste
• 1-3 teaspoons black pepper (SEE NOTE)
• Hot sauce (optional)