Thanksgiving Meal: Gravy Woes

The success of my Thanksgiving meal is a crap shoot every year. I freely admit--don’t even pretend to be--could care less that I'm not--a great cook. I know--only a person who would be just as happy if meals came in little white pills would think this way. I have no idea where I acquired this attitude about food. I truly enjoy eating out at my favorite restaurants, but spending time in the kitchen... Nope, I'd rather be writing or gardening or just about anything else but slaving over a stove (except maybe cleaning). The only part of the Thanksgiving meal I never hear a complaint about at my house are the mashed potatoes--probably because I use real butter and heavy whipping cream.

So every November I spend countless hours surfing the web for no-fail recipes and helpful hints to make my Thanksgiving meal palatable--not delectable--I'm realistic about my abilities in the kitchen. I don't know about anyone else but I can never make good gravy. Usually it's tasteless and either too starchy or too runny. This year I came across a hand-written note in one of my mother's cookbooks. She must have gotten the tips from a women's magazine years ago. I've since stuck the note to my refrigerator hoping that come Thanksgiving Day I'll be able to make decent gravy.

Note: Use a wire whisk to stir the gravy to avoid lumps. Cook the flour in the fat (before adding liquid). Don't be stingy with the salt.

If the gravy tastes burnt add a little peanut butter to mask the taste.
If the gravy is too thick add chicken broth to desired consistency.
If the gravy is too thin dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 1/4 cup water and add while boiling and stirring. Repeat if necessary.
If gravy is too bland add a bit of sherry, salt and pepper or poultry seasoning to enhance the flavor in the natural juices.

Feel free to jump in here with your own helpful tips for making a great Thanksgiving meal--my family will be forever grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Marin
A Cowboy Christmas 2 stories in 1 book! (Dec 09)
http://www.marinthomas.com/