At Home Italian Cooking by JoElaine

Homemade Beef Gravy by JoElaine (Balsamo) Quinn

Ingredients:

Pan Drippings

2 Tbsps of Butter

2 Tbsps of Flour

1 cup of Beef Broth , homemade

Fresh herbs , optional

Salt & Pepper to taste

Process ,

1. Remove the roasted meat from the pan and let it rest. Pour the pan drippings into a measuring cup . This is flavor .

2. Skim Fat from drippings .Get rid of the excess fat by spooning it off the top.

3. Make a roux in the roasting pan . Place the roasting pan over two burners on the stovetop. Melt 2 tablespoons butter . Add 2 tablespoons flour to the pan. Cook, whisking constantly, until light brown and fragrant. This will thicken your gravy.

4. Add the reserved pan drippings and your beef broth stir with a wooden spoon, scraping the flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pan. This is deglazing.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat slightly and simmer until gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Add flavoring , such as fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme or a splash of brandy, just before you remove from the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed. Note : i find you dont need to add salr and pepper because of the rub from the beef seasons the gravy enough.

7. Strain the gravy by setting a strainer over a large measuring cup. Pour the gravy into the strainer and use a wooden spoon to push the gravy through. This will catch any pesky bits of flour, herbs or meat. Pour into a gravy boat and serve.

Enjoy!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce by JoElaine (Balsamo) Quinn

Ingredients:

¾ cup sugar

½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

½ cup water

16 oz fresh cranberries rinsed and picked through pinch of salt

1 cinnamon stick

1 large piece of orange peel

Process,

1. Combine sugar, orange juice, and water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir to combine.

2. Add cranberries, salt, cinnamon stick and orange peel.Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.

3.Continue cooking, for about 10 minutes, or until all or most of the cranberries have popped. I like to leave a handful of berries whole.

4.Let cool for at least 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Enjoy!

Homemade Alfredo Sauce by JoElaine (Balsamo) Quinn

Ingredient :

¼ cup butter

1 cup heavy cream

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan / Gruyere cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped

Note: I like to use Gruyere cheese instead its much more creamier. 

Process,

1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Add cream and simmer for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cheese and whisk quickly, heating through. Stir in parsley and serve.

Enjoy!