Make Ahead Gravy

Turkey gravy in gravy boat

How to make gravy ahead of time and why you should

Crafting the perfect gravy is an art of flavors and textures. It requires several steps, lots of attention and respect but the end result crowns your holiday roast with unparalleled warmth and depth of flavor. Learning the basics of a gravy recipe is the key to a lifetime of good gravy oozing over every roast that adorns your table.

The basics of Making a Gravy

To make gravy, you begin by collecting the flavorful drippings from the roasted turkey (or chicken) and then separating the fat from the drippings. Once separated, you combine the dripping with broth and gradually whisk in a thickening agent such as flour or cornstarch. Then you continually stir until the mixture turns into a thick, rich, velvety consistency. Season to taste.

Mashed potatoes and beef covered in gravy
The Perfect Gravy smothered over mashed potatoes and Roast Beef

The Problem with Gravy

Imagine this- you have a turkey to carve, potatoes to mash, vegetables to plate, amongst the pile of dishes, pots and pans piling up in your sink…. and now you have to stop and dedicate your full attention for anywhere from 7-10 minutes to make fresh gravy (and actually get it to the table hot.) This is a legitimate challenge. This is why so many people turn to jarred and dehydrated forms of gravy. I have yet to come across a premed gravy that comes close to homemade so the reality is, you have to make it yourself. It’s just the simple fact of the matter.

So I set out to perfect a gravy that I could make ahead of time.

Make ahead Gravy is a Game Changer for the Cook

brown gravy in a gravy boat featured on Make ahead gravy recipe page

Option 1: The “Day of” approach

In the “Day of” approach to make ahead gravy, simply to make it ahead of time the day you are serving it. This is for those serious cooks who understand a Turkey should rest for at least two hours or more before attempting to carve and serve it. (Gordon Ramsay advises to rest a turkey for as long as it cooks and because he is the world’s most recognized and decorated Chef, I’m going to go with him on this and not my mother’s approach of oven to table!) While the turkey or chicken is resting, this gives you plenty of time work with the drippings and make a gravy and keep it warm until time to serve. I this case, I recommend a mini slow cooker. It works perfectly for keeping the gravy hot for hours.

Option 2: The “Make Ahead” gravy approach

I often make gravy weeks in advance so I don’t need to worry about it at all on the big day. It does take advance planning and some effort, but the results are worth it.  Here is how you do it:

Step 1- Advance Roasting for Drippings

Up to 3 months in advance, roast a whole chicken, chicken parts, a turkey or turkey parts. The goal here is to collect as many droppings as possible so a turkey breast or white meats parts are not what you want to use here- you need a whole bird or dark meat to produce a good amount of delicious drippings. (Plan a meal around your roasting, but reserve the drippings because that is what we are after. I usually make chicken salad, sandwiches or soup with the meat.)

Step 2- Strain the Drippings

Pass the drippings through a sieve to produce a clean liquid, free from bits and pieces that have no business in our gravy.

Step 3- Separate the Drippings

If you have a gravy separator, now is the time to use it to remove the fat and then portion out your drippings. If you do not have a separator, refrigerate the drippings in glass. After the drippings set, the fat will rise to the top and harden. I leave it overnight. Skim and discard the fat layer.  The drippings will have hardened and become gelatinous. Separate the drippings in 1/4 cup portions, or any portion you choose

Step 4- Make & Freeze Gravy

You have a choice to either freeze the drippings so they are ready to make the gravy when you want to. Or, make the gravy entirely and then freeze. If you are going to make the gravy to freeze, follow this recipe:

Recipe

  1. Add 2 tablespoons (or up to 1/4 cup depending on how savory you like the gravy) to a small sauce pan and heat until liquified.
  2. Add 2 cups of good quality Turkey or Chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl or cup, combine 1/4 cup cold water and 2 tablespoons of Corn Starch and mix until smooth. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the hot liquid.
  4. Stirring constantly, bring to a gentle boil for one minute.
  5. Season with Salt & Pepper to taste.
  6. Let it cool completely and freeze. It will become gelatinous.

Note: These portions may need to be altered based on the brand of ingredients you are using and the consistency you want to achieve.

Step 5- Reheating

Defrost in the refrigerator 1-2 days in advance of using. When ready to serve, place the gravy in a small sauce pan. The gravy will hold the shape of the storage container. Don’t  panic! This is right. Reheat the gravy slowly, over a low heat. Once it starts to break down and loosen up, you can use an immersion blender or simply continue to whisk- it will return to its proper consistency. Once hot and silky smooth, it is ready to serve.

Pro Tip!

Clear off your stove top and set your gravy aside until ready to serve by using a mini slow cooker, typically used for dips and fondue. It keeps the gravy nice and hot for hours. Simply make the gravy 30 min to an hour in advance of needing it and then I transfer it to the mini pot.

A mini crock pot typically used for dips will keep gravy hot for hours
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Light, fluffy mashed potatoes are everyone’s favorite side dish! With these tips for make ahead mashed potatoes, the cook can enjoy the mash as much as the guests.

Tips for Entertaining

dinner-party

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Be the hostess with the mostest” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][mk_dropcaps style=”fancy-style” background_color=”#727272″]W[/mk_dropcaps][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1546966115711{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]When entertaining for any crowd, large or small, I try and get as much done as possible before my guests arrive. The less I have to do when my guests are here, the more smoothly my day or evening goes, and the better time I have!

Of course, there are always things that I need to do last minute, but the less of them there are, the more successful my event is.[/vc_column_text][mk_blockquote font_family=”none”]There is nothing worse than walking into an awkwardly silent home![/mk_blockquote][vc_single_image image=”2874″ img_size=”640xx480″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1546966129816{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Here are some of the things I have learned to always do to ensure a great time and fantastic meal![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Feaster’s Tips:” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23e69b10″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1546965477904{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

  • I love to pick a theme and build the menu, cocktails and decor around it. I love hosting Italian Night where I play Italian music, serve classic chicken parmesan and garlic bread on a red check table cloth and pair it with a delicious Barolo or Chianti.
  • I plan a menu that can be mostly prepped or prepared ahead of time and I choose things that can cooked at the same temperature. That last part is every important!
  • I platter anything that will be served cold or room temperature into serving bowls or serving dishes ahead of time. These are things like cheese platters, condiments that will be served in bowls, shrimp cocktail, and so on. I store everything right on or in the platter. This reduces clean up, and makes it easy to serve.
  • I always make sure to have an empty sink and dishwasher before anyone arrives. This will make clean up throughout the event go more swiftly.
  • I always make sure to have empty trash and recycling bins before the start of my event.
  • I set the table or buffet well in advance. Usually do this at least one day ahead of time, but for larger events, I have done it 3-4 days in advance to help me visualize how the event will go and what is missing.
  • For parties and events that I know are coming up, I shop for all dry goods and beverages weeks in advance. This is especially helpful during the holiday season when stores are full and we are all always in a rush. It just makes shopping for the fresh ingredients more enjoyable.
  • I start making ice about one week in advance and bag it in zip locks to be sure we have enough for cocktails.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1546966166539{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]My number one rule for hosting anything from a date night for two to a party of epic proportions, is to always make sure music is playing when someone steps through the door! Music is the best way to set the tone for your event and immediately helps people feel comfortable and at ease.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]