The Gravy Diaries

This year I didn't want to feel rushed, pressured, or overwhelmed while cooking Thanksgiving dinner. So anything I could "Make-Ahead" I did. Gravy was on the agenda. I don't like having to use the grease or drippings from the Turkey and hurrying to get your gravy just right and it usually ends up lumpy because you are on multi-tasking overload trying to put the feast out for the Pilgrims. Anyway, here is a fantastic recipe I found and as the Gravy Diary unfolds, you will understand better. You must continue reading, to get the full scoop or should I say full - ladle.

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

6 turkey wings - never bought this item before, I found the drum sticks attached which made them look like human arms. Paid only .98 cents for whole lot.

2 medium onions - chopped

1 cup f water

2 quarts chicken broth

3/4 cup chopped carrot

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme - I like it fresh!!

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons butter - I omitted this. Not necessary in my eyes.

1/4 tsp ground black pepper.

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange turkey wings in large roasting pan, scatter the onions over the top of the wings. Roast for 1 hour 15 min or until wings are nicely browned.

Step 2 - Placed browned wings and onions in a 5 quart stockpot. Add water to roasting pan and stir, scraping up any brown bits on the bottom of pan. Stir in 6 cups of broth, carrots, and thyme. Bring to boil, then simmer uncovered for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Step 3 - Remove wings from your broth, do whatever you want with them, save them or give them to your dog. (Splash was sure enjoyed her meal tonight!!) Drain your vegetables, press to extract remaining liquid. Bring drained broth to a gentle boil.

Step 4 - In a medium bowl, whisk flour into the remaining 2 cups chicken broth until smooth. Gradually whisk the flour mixture into boiling broth. Turn down heat and add butter and pepper. Serve immediately or pour into contains, Good for 3 months in freezer.

Not only is the gravy wonderful, but the mouth-watering aroma of roasted turkey stays in your house for two days, instead of just one day!! That is a bonus for me.

As I was putting the drumsticks with attached wings into the stockpot(see step 2), Parker pushed up a chair and looked inside the pot, and with the most puzzled and curious look he said, "Mom, what is that? I didn't have time to respond as he anxiously added, "Mom, are you cooking a man? Or is it something else. Are we eating people.? I set him straight, but as I looked into the pot and studied the angle of the wings and drumstick arm, I could see how it could possibly look that way. I wished I would have taken a picture.

I had to get another opinion, so Spencer came in and we discussed, the man in the pot and cannibalism.

The diary does not end at this. My gravy was done with ease and I was proud that one more thing had been accomplished for the feast. I went about my motherly blessings (laundry and cleaning) as my gravy was cooling.

I came back to the kitchen and found Parker sipping my gravy like it was quenching his thirst. Then he had spilled it all over the range top and floor.

So the end result of my Make-Ahead gravy is about 1 1/2 cups yield of gravy which will not suffice.

Guess who will be making gravy after the turkey comes out of the oven!!!

RUSSELL!! My gravy making days are over..