Nirvana…I’m working ahead of the day to ensure a wonderful gravy. Turkey drippings make gravy magnificent, so it’s essential to have an adequate amount. I don’t know about you, but the day of is always a little bit of a panic and is the day I’m apt to ruin the drippings when I’m rushing. Speaking of which, a funny thing happened today when I was making the turkey drippings for Instagram stories. Everything worked perfectly and I had the most amazing drippings – then guess what happened when I was all done – I knocked the pan over and lost every bit of the lovely nectar! That kind of unpredictable thing happens when you’re cooking , which is why I like to make my drippings ahead.

 Today I cut celery, onion and carrots, making a mirepoix and sautéed on medium high to caramelize them quickly. I followed with pieces of turkey, including an assortment of necks, drumsticks, wings, and thighs, which I salted and peppered then flash-seared in olive oil and then put in a roasting pan followed by a cup of cold water and the vegetables. I baked at 350 for 20 minutes and then covered tight for an hour to coax the juices out. Then I uncovered and crisped and ended up with nirvana. I will freeze these drippings then thaw on the day of. By the way, the drippings I get on Thanksgiving day I save and put in the freezer.

Equipment