Let’s say you’ve set a gorgeous holiday table, transferred everyone’s favorite dishes onto elegant platters, lit the candles, crossed your t’s and dotted your i’s, but you forgot to make gravy. Deep in the recesses of your pantry, you find a gravy packet. With time running out, it’s a no-brainer — but will people notice that you cut corners? There’s no reason why gravy shouldn’t taste homemade, even if it came from an instant packet. There’s one simple ingredient swap that will save the day. Just follow the directions on the packet, but instead of using tap water as directed, use vegetable, chicken, or beef stock. If you don’t have any stock, just whisk flavored bouillon into tap water to create a flavorful broth substitute. In no time at all, you’ll have a rich, flavorful gravy. If you’re feeling adventurous and have a few extra minutes, don’t stop at broth alone. Use ingredients you probably have on hand from cooking and prepping. Whisk butter to the pan drippings and mix that with your gravy mixture for a cohesive flavor that ties the whole meal together.
