Instant gravy saves time

Want homemade gravy without the fuss of dealing with pan drippings?

Don't turn up your nose at instant gravy powders, the sort sold in tiny packets alongside jarred gravies and broths. On their own they may not amount to much, but they are easily doctored to create delicious gravies.

Start with a packet (most are sold as .85-ounce packets) of roasted turkey gravy, then add whatever seasonings and ingredients you like, or that complement the flavors used in preparing your main course.

For example, to go with turkey, saute diced onion in olive oil, then add a bit of fresh thyme, salt and pepper. Add the gravy mix and prepare according to package directions. If you prefer a smoother gravy, run it through a blender or food processor.

This also is an easy way to make gravy vegetarian friendly. Grocers offer plenty of vegetarian gravy mixes that taste meaty and work just as well with these recipes.

The first recipe adds mushrooms and onions along with white wine and rosemary for a delicious savory gravy. The second revs up the flavor with adobo-packed chipotle peppers.

The heat of the chipotles is tamed by Greek-style yogurt. If you don't care for too much heat, use just one pepper, or add more yogurt. The peppers are available in cans in most grocers' Mexican foods aisle.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Recipes</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=252881">Mushroom Onion Gravy <span class="date">[11/24/08]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=252880">Adobo Gravy<span class="date">[11/24/08]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>