The word “gravy” has a secondary meaning after the first drippings-based one we already know. According to Merriam-Webster, gravy also means “something additional or unexpected that is pleasing or valuable.” Considering how great gravy (the first meaning) is, the second definition doesn’t surprise me at all. Because considering the magic, velvety sauce you can make from the gunk in the bottom of a turkey roasting pan, gravy is truly something valuable that’s completely unexpected.
As great as it is, gravy is typically an afterthought on Thanksgiving, literally one of the last things you make. As the drippings from the pan in which you roast your turkey are the main component of the recipe—meaning the bird must not only be out of the oven, but rested a bit so it’s no longer too hot to lift out—gravy is often hastily assembled five minutes before everyone sits down to eat. This probably means that, if you’re the one cooking, gravy brings memories of stress. It’s one more dang thing to churn out when you should really be putting your apron away and a glass of wine in your hand.
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