With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, I wanted to share some of my all-time favorite holiday dishes. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite times of the year to be in the kitchen. I have so many special memories in the kitchens of so many that I have loved over the years. Memories from way back, even before I started cooking.
Mama’s holiday kitchen was always busy. If she wasn’t making her delicious homemade candies, she was baking for church or a family gathering. It seems like the cooks I know always want to cook up their best for the ones they love during the holidays.
Turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving tables. I’m not sure why because the sides are what it’s all about as far as I’m concerned. One simple side that you can’t do without is the gravy! Who doesn’t love gravy? It makes the turkey better; it’s delicious on the dressing, or a roll, or just about any other food it may touch on your plate!
Gravy has always intimidated me. That is until a few years ago. I found this recipe and have been making it ever since. It is hands down my favorite, very simple, and it’s delicious every time.
- 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 medium-size onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 3 c. chicken broth
- turkey neck from 1 turkey
- 1¼ tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until tender. Add garlic and saute 1 minute. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
- Stir in broth, turkey neck, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 to 15 minutes or until neck has cooked through and gravy has thickened.
- Remove neck and discard. Pour gravy through a strainer and discard onion and garlic pieces. Pour gravy into a gravy boat and serve.