If you are wary of adding all of the pepper, add a teaspoon at a time and taste. Just give this simple recipe a try.
Whisk in ½ cup all-purpose flour and continue cooking until the mixture bubbles, about 5 minutes. Pour milk into the saucepan slowly while whisking. Cook and whisk until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3 minutes. Add salt and black pepper. Continue whisking until the gravy comes to a boil, about 3 minutes more. Remove from heat and use it.