Thanksgiving Dinner

Ban the Frantic Woman from the Kitchen!

By Donna Smith

The thought of making gravy scares some people. Don't let gravy intimidate you! For a quick and easy gravy, simply strain the turkey pan juices. Bring to a boil and add a little flour to thicken it up a bit. Taste the gravy to make sure it is seasoned well -- you may want to add some more salt and pepper. That's it.

Another way to make gravy is to chop up the turkey neck bones and brown them in some oil or butter. When browned, add enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer about 20 minutes. Add this mixture to the pan drippings, then bring to a boil. Add as much flour as you wish to thicken it up, then strain through a sieve. This gravy takes a little more time and effort, but the taste is well worth it. Canned and bottled gravy, and powdered gravy mixes are also available, if you're really short on time.

Cooking Thanksgiving dinner should be a joyous occasion. Don't worry if things don't go perfectly -- they seldom do. Relax, enjoy yourself, and enjoy your family. It doesn't matter if there are a few lumps in the gravy, or if the turkey is a little dry. What matters is your family being together to share and make memories. And remember, the best remedy to not being that frantic woman in the kitchen is to be invited to someone else's house for Thanksgiving dinner!

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