Journal
Hands :: Two Lights Blanket
Casting on for my Two Lights Blanket (by Carrie Bostick Hoge, featured in Issue 4 :: WOOD). I think it's going to be just the bit of sunshine to knit my way through the darker days of winter.
~ amanda
Hands :: Mushroom Gravy
Marvelous Mushroom Gravy
Welcome to your new favorite, go-to gravy. Every kitchen needs one, and here it is. Equally delicious over biscuits, toast points, vegetables or protein, this gravy will satisfy vegetarians and carnivores alike.
Yield: 4-6 servings.
The Goods:
1 pound mushrooms, sliced*
5 Tablespoons butter, divided
2 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken or mushroom stock
½ cup half & half or heavy cream
¼ cup red wine (optional)
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Several grinds of black pepper
Pinch of salt, if desired
*You can use whatever mushrooms you prefer. We’re fond of a combination of cremini and shiitake, but really, any mushrooms will work equally well.
The Deal:
1) Melt 3 Tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a heavy sauté pan.
2) Add the sliced mushrooms. Stir to coat with the melted butter.
3) Mince the cloves of garlic; set aside while the mushrooms cook.
4) Cook the mushrooms for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated.
5) Add the garlic, and cook for two more minutes.
6) Remove the pan from the heat. Spoon the mixture into a bowl; set aside to cool for several minutes.
7) In a food processor or blender, puree the mushrooms until they are fine little bits.
8) Melt the two remaining tablespoons of butter in the sauté pan over medium heat.
9) Add the flour to the melted butter, and stir constantly for a minute.
10) Add the mushrooms to the pan, and stir them into the flour for another minute.
11) Add the stock, cream, wine, and seasonings.
12) Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
13) Remove the pan from heat. Allow the gravy to cool slightly before serving.
14) Spoon over biscuits, toast points, vegetables, or the protein of your choice.
Winter Dreams
With the White Mountains separating us from our respective Maine and Vermont homes, our periodic gatherings make for lovely New England drives. Most especially on bright and sunny winter days, and when they center around a pie, good and local drink, and great conversation full of new ideas. (at The Parker Pie Co.)
~ amanda