Good Gravy!

Who doesn't like a little gravy now and then?  They other night I was craving brown gravy with mushrooms in it.  It's strange how we crave things like that.  I made some hamburger patties and put them in the gravy for a little while after I made it.  The next night I used the gravy over rice.  So good!

Brown Mushroom Gravy

1/4 cup butter
1  8 oz. package fresh sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup plain or gluten free flour
1 can beef broth
salt and pepper to taste 

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.  Stir in the mushrooms until mushrooms are soft.  Add in flour, salt, and pepper.  Stir in the beef broth.  Continue to stir to make sure the flour doesn't clump up.  Reduce heat to low and let cook until it thickens up to your liking.

What is Heavy Cream?

Have you ever gone to the store and looked for Heavy Cream?  I have.  I couldn't find it.  It must go by another name.  I did discover that whipping cream is NOT the same as heavy cream.  I went online and found this recipe.  It sounds easier to make your own than go to the grocery store and buy it.

Heavy Cream Substitute

3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup butter

Melt the butter.  Pour it into the milk, and stir until blended.

Tip: If you use low-fat milk, add a tablespoon of gluten free flour to the mixture to thicken.
          Makes 1 cup of heavy cream.

It's Saucey!

I don't care if it is winter.  I still like to cook on the grill.  I cook on the grill year round. Yes, I have been known to cook on the grill when we've had several inches of snow.  Why do I enjoy grilling so much?  Three words ... less clean up.  When I cook things like chicken, I always wrap it in foil so I don't have flare ups.  Tonight I made barbeque chicken with my own homemade barbeque sauce. To me, it's better than the store bought kind and it doesn't take that long to make.  Try it.  You'll like it!

Barbeque Sauce

 1 cup ketchup

2/3 cup water

2 Tb. brown sugar

2 tsp. dried minced onion

1 tsp. chili powder

½ tsp. instant coffee

Combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil in a saucepan.  Reduce heat and stir constantly for 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool completely.