Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy with Cognac, Onions and Sage

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Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy with Cognac, Onions and Sage

Yield: 10

Author: Madeline King

Prep time: 1 HourCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 1 H & 40 M

No one wants to stand around hoping their gravy won’t be lumpy at the moment the turkey comes out of the oven. With this recipe that will never happen! The gravy base can be simmered up to a week ahead with onions, sage and Cognac and whisked into the pan after the turkey is done.

Ingredients

• 6 Tbs. Vermont Creamery Unsalted Butter
• 1 large red onion, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 6 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (32 fl. oz) chicken broth made with Kitchen Accomplice Organic Chicken Broth Base
• 2 Tbs. Cognac or brandy
• 10 large fresh sage leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup (8 fl. oz) dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio

Instructions

Prep

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté, stirring often, for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onion becomes browned and starts to caramelize. Sprinkle on the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock, Cognac, sage leaves, bay leaves, 2 tsp. salt (depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock) and 1 tsp. pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour and strain, pressing the solids lightly and then discarding them. Refrigerate until ready to use.

After the turkey is cooked

1. remove it to a carving board to rest while you finish the gravy. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat and add the wine. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring and scraping up all the bits clinging to the bottom of the pan. Slowly whisk the gravy base into the pan.
2. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the gravy is smooth and slightly thickened. Taste for seasoning and serve hot. Makes 4 cups (32 fl. oz./1 l).
3. Make It Ahead: Make the gravy base and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.