Just in time for the Holidays! Madeira Turkey Gravy “… is particularly fitting for Thanksgiving because Madeira, a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of the same name, flowed like water through the Colonies, having arrived here as ballast in ships. Sweet and mellow, reminiscent of sherry, Madeira beautifully enhances a turkey gravy.” (Real Age) Here is the recipe that Robin found to enhance that Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1½ t Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Onion, coarsely chopped
2 Carrots, chopped
2 stalk(s) Celery, chopped
3 c Chicken Stock
½ c Madeira
1½ T Cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Directions:
To Prepare Giblet Stock: Heat 1½ teaspoons oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, celery and the turkey neck and giblets. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned, about 15 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Strain the giblet stock through a fine sieve (you should have about 2 cups). Chill until ready to use.

To Prepare Gravy: While the turkey is resting, pour the drippings from the roasting pan through a strainer into a small bowl, then place the bowl in the freezer for 20 minutes to solidify the fat.

Add Madeira to the roasting pan and cook, stirring and scraping up any brown bits, for about 1 minute; strain into a medium saucepan. Skim the fat from the giblet stock and add the stock to the pan. Skim the fat from the chilled pan juices and add the juices to the pan as well. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering sauce, whisking until the gravy has thickened slightly. Season with pepper.