Turkey Gravy and other Tricks

My ninety-nine year old aunt called the other day and became positively giddy when I recognized her voice. I didn't have the heart to tell her I have caller ID! Anyway, with that advantage I've been playing a little game with myself: when one of my children calls, how long will it be before the question: what shall I bring for Thanksgiving? And then I say, how about brussel sprouts? BRUSSEL SPROUTS!! NO WAY!The problem is-it's not part of the tradition.And you know you don't mess with tradition on holidays. Have you ever tried to make a different stuffing for the turkey? You might as well serve pasta instead. I remebember one year when I totally forgot the corn, which in our house, would be like not making the gravy, and the turkey was out of the oven and I am driving to every area convenient store in search of 3 cans of corn. Speaking of gravy,-is there ever enough? My mother, whose culinary skills reflect her English and Norwegian heritage,does make the best gravy and her secret is simple: potato water. After you drain the fat from the pan, place the pan over moderately high heat and add a few tablespoons of flour. Mix the flour into the pan juices and cook until it thickens. Add a ladle of water from the boiling potatoes ( you are making mashed potatoes, I presume!) and stir. Add more water as needed; simmer until ready to serve. (Use the same method for any other basic gravies-you can't fail!)

Years ago I bought a cute little 2-piece turkey with a ladle the size of a teaspoon and filled it with what amounted to a half cup of gravy and served it with great aplomb to my family of 7. Well, you can imagine how many refills that required. Lesson learned. Gravy boats are rarely big enough. Instead of a bowl, howvever, hollow out a sugar pumpkin or a large acorn squash ( level off the bottom of the squash first!). Add a large ladle and pass the gravy! Vegetables make attractive serving pieces. Fill a hollowed pepper with salsa; halve a pineapple and add turkey salad; serve dip in an artichoke. It's all about appearances! And that's what makes THE GOOD LIFE.