11/29/2008

Turkey gravy

We hosted Thanksgiving for the first time this year, so it was my first time cooking a turkey. I followed the salted turkey recipe from last year's Cooks Illustrated, and it came out well. I think icing down the breast meat really did help everything finish at the same time.

For the gravy, on the other hand, I didn't have a recipe exactly. The day before, I had seen Alton Brown making one with red wine on TV, and I had the trusty Ultimate Southern Living -- but neither was quite what I (thought I) wanted. Funny enough, the gravy got more compliments than anything else I made. So I'm recording it here for next year!

In a medium saucepan, simmer for 45 minutes:

  1. half an onion, chopped
  2. handful of carrot pieces
  3. celery seed (would've used celery if I'd had it)
  4. 2 bay leaves
  5. large spring fresh thyme
  6. small bunch fresh parsley
  7. salt and pepper
  8. turkey neck
  9. turkey gizzard and heart (no liver) (pictures for identifying the pieces)
  10. water to cover
Strain, chill, skim. Yields ~3 cups stock.

While turkey is resting, pour off all drippings from the roasting pan (don't scrape). Place over burners, add ~1 cup stock, and scrape until all browned bits are dissolved and pan is clean.

In a medium saucepan, make a roux with
  1. 4 T butter (half a stick)
  2. 1/4 c flour
Pour in pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve and whisk to combine. Whisk in additional broth as needed to reach desired consistency, keeping in mind that full thickening won't happen until the gravy comes to a simmer.

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