On Mon, 25 Dec 2006 23:14:50 -0800, "Kent" > wrote:

>
>"LurfysMa" > wrote in message
>news
>> First of all, thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions for
>> making turley gravy.
>>
>> The turkey gravy was good, but not great. I'd give it a B or B+. My
>> main complaint was that it had a slightly bitter or harsh taste.
>>
>> I'd like to describe what I did and see if anyone can suggest how I
>> could do better.
>>
>> When the turkey went into the oven, I started the stock. I heated some
>> olive oil in a skillet ove medium high heat and browned the neck,
>> giblets, and wing tips for about 5-6 minutes. I added an onion and
>> some carrots chopped coarsely and cooked for several minutes.
>>
>> At this point, I may have made my first mistake. My wife had just
>> finished peeling the potatoes and there were a pile of potato peelings
>> in the sink. I grabbed a handful and dumped them into the skillet with
>> the other veggies. I probably added a cup or so.
>>
>Lufysma, I don't think potato would add anything to gravy,though I've never
>tried that.
>>
>> I added a half cup of chianti and enough water to cover everything and
>> brought it to a simmer. I left it to simmer partly covered for 2
>> hours.
>>
>Red wine, as well isn't a good idea. It fits with veal or beef, but not
>fowl.
>>
>> I then added 3 bay leaves, 6-8 whole peppercorns, 5-6 whole allspice
>> berries, and some basil. I left this to simmer for another hour.
>>

I don't think the potato skins had anything to do with your problem.
You asked for glaring mistakes and my eye went straight to those 3 bay
leaves. That may be your problem. 1/2 or one small leaf at the most
would have been enough. Too much bay makes food taste like medicine.
The rest of the seasonings sounded odd to me, but I don't think they
would make your gravy bitter unless the wine contributed to it
somehow. Was it drinkable?

<snip>
>>
>> Any obvious errors?
>>
>> Thanks

Did you include the liver with those giblets? Some people think liver
makes gravy taste bitter.

--
See return address to reply by email