Roasted Strawberry Jam

Roasted Strawberry Jam

Making jam in the oven may sound a bit strange but the result will quickly make you a convert to this unusual method. The natural and added sugars slowly caramelize in the oven as the strawberries reduce and concentrate their delicious flavor. This is the most intensely flavored strawberry jam you will ever sample with a complimentary hint of caramel too.

This particular jam was made from some half priced, very ripe strawberries in the produce clearance shelf at my local supermarket. This jam idea is ideally suited to summer strawberry season when plenty of ripe berries are available, when you need to use up those quickly ripening berries in the fridge or when they are on sale at the local market. Frozen strawberries also work well in this jam.

This phenomenal jam gives your morning toast an instant upgrade but deserves to be center stage in lots of delicious desserts too. It is amazing in a simple whipped cream "fool", a delicious filling for turnovers or an outstanding topping for cheesecake. Any dessert in which you would use strawberry preserves or jam will be made even better by adding this intensely flavorful jam instead.

• 2 pounds very ripe strawberries, washed and quartered
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Toss the strawberries together in a glass baking dish. Roast in the oven at 350 degrees F stirring occasionally until the jam reduces and the juice almost completely boils off. Watch it closely toward the end of the cooking time because the sugars will be very concentrated and will more easily burn.

Roasted Strawberry Jam

Making jam in the oven may sound a bit strange but the result will quickly make you a convert to this unusual method. The natural and added sugars slowly caramelize in the oven as the strawberries reduce and concentrate their delicious flavor. This is the most intensely flavored strawberry jam you will ever sample with a complimentary hint of caramel too.

This particular jam was made from some half priced, very ripe strawberries in the produce clearance shelf at my local supermarket. This jam idea is ideally suited to summer strawberry season when plenty of ripe berries are available, when you need to use up those quickly ripening berries in the fridge or when they are on sale at the local market. Frozen strawberries also work well in this jam.

This phenomenal jam gives your morning toast an instant upgrade but deserves to be center stage in lots of delicious desserts too. It is amazing in a simple whipped cream "fool", a delicious filling for turnovers or an outstanding topping for cheesecake. Any dessert in which you would use strawberry preserves or jam will be made even better by adding this intensely flavorful jam instead.

• 2 pounds very ripe strawberries, washed and quartered
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Toss the strawberries together in a glass baking dish. Roast in the oven at 350 degrees F stirring occasionally until the jam reduces and the juice almost completely boils off. Watch it closely toward the end of the cooking time because the sugars will be very concentrated and will more easily burn.

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Cheesy Caprese Pasta in just 20 Minutes

Sometimes you have to draw from your imagination and create dinner from nothing. There are times that it works out and times that it does not. Cheesy Caprese Pasta is one of those genius creations that came together unexpectedly. But, it has turned into a favorite dish in our house.

Continue Reading »

Sometimes you have to draw from your imagination and create dinner from nothing. There are times that it works out and times that it does not. Cheesy Caprese Pasta is one of those genius creations that came together unexpectedly. But, it has turned into a favorite dish in our house.

Continue Reading »

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Sugar Free Chocolate & Xylitol Products

There are many people who are either suffering from diabetes or they don't like sweeteners. There are many people who are suffering from diabetes but they like sweetener very much but they can't take it due to their medical circumstances. In all these conditions, sugar free chocolate along with various Xylitol products would be perfect option for them. These are considered as a sugar substitute, which is a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste, normally with less food allergy. As far as these substitutes are concerned, some are natural while some are synthetic. Those sweeteners which are not obtained from natural sources are called artificial sweeteners.

There are various kinds of sugar substitutes available in the market; one of such substitute is known as high-intensity sweetener. These are compounds with the sweetness of sucrose as well as common table sugar. As a result much less sweetener is required and its energy contribution is often negligible? The tastes of sweetness caused by these compounds are notably different from sucrose. Moreover, they are always used in complex mixtures that achieve the most natural sweet sensation. Xylitol products are also considered as one of the most effective for diabetic people. Xylitol is actively beneficial for health especially for dental health. Moreover, it's roughly as sweet as sucrose with 33% fewer calories.

There are numerous sugar substitutes available for diabetic people in the market. Sugar free chocolate is one such among them. It's considered as a booming product as diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic diseases in United States. There are various other products which are very effective in this disease for the people. Some of such goods include sugar free candy, sugar free gum, sugar free mints, lollipops etc. Due to availability of various such goods, you should always buy them from prominent shops which have been made well-reputation in the market over the time.

As far as Xylitol products are concerned, there are varieties of products available in the market and you can buy them according to your specific needs and requirements. These products include Xylitol gum, Xylitol candy, Xylitol mints, Xylitol chocolate, Xylitol chewing gum, Xylitol jam along with various others. Due to much popularity of these products, there are various duplicates items available in the market. So, you should always buy branded items so that you could genuine and original product, which could be healthful for you. Go through online resources if you want to get more information about these products.

Get sugar free chocolate online at Xylitol USA, Inc.! We have stock of Xylitol chocolate including sugar free Xylitol chocolate in various flavors. You can buy it as per your custom flavors.

There are many people who are either suffering from diabetes or they don't like sweeteners. There are many people who are suffering from diabetes but they like sweetener very much but they can't take it due to their medical circumstances. In all these conditions, sugar free chocolate along with various Xylitol products would be perfect option for them. These are considered as a sugar substitute, which is a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste, normally with less food allergy. As far as these substitutes are concerned, some are natural while some are synthetic. Those sweeteners which are not obtained from natural sources are called artificial sweeteners.

There are various kinds of sugar substitutes available in the market; one of such substitute is known as high-intensity sweetener. These are compounds with the sweetness of sucrose as well as common table sugar. As a result much less sweetener is required and its energy contribution is often negligible? The tastes of sweetness caused by these compounds are notably different from sucrose. Moreover, they are always used in complex mixtures that achieve the most natural sweet sensation. Xylitol products are also considered as one of the most effective for diabetic people. Xylitol is actively beneficial for health especially for dental health. Moreover, it's roughly as sweet as sucrose with 33% fewer calories.

There are numerous sugar substitutes available for diabetic people in the market. Sugar free chocolate is one such among them. It's considered as a booming product as diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic diseases in United States. There are various other products which are very effective in this disease for the people. Some of such goods include sugar free candy, sugar free gum, sugar free mints, lollipops etc. Due to availability of various such goods, you should always buy them from prominent shops which have been made well-reputation in the market over the time.

As far as Xylitol products are concerned, there are varieties of products available in the market and you can buy them according to your specific needs and requirements. These products include Xylitol gum, Xylitol candy, Xylitol mints, Xylitol chocolate, Xylitol chewing gum, Xylitol jam along with various others. Due to much popularity of these products, there are various duplicates items available in the market. So, you should always buy branded items so that you could genuine and original product, which could be healthful for you. Go through online resources if you want to get more information about these products.

Get sugar free chocolate online at Xylitol USA, Inc.! We have stock of Xylitol chocolate including sugar free Xylitol chocolate in various flavors. You can buy it as per your custom flavors.

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Important Considerations While Doing Business With Wholesale Chocolate Suppliers

Everyone loves chocolates, whether it is a special occasion or if you are snacking it watching a rugby match. Many eat chocolates for their taste.

Wholesale chocolate suppliers sell directly to the public and to a large number of retailers. Chocolate bars are available in different shapes, sizes and brands. Some wholesale chocolate suppliers sell their products online, at affordable prices while others act only as a bridge between the manufacturer and retailer.

In this article let us discuss how to shortlist a wholesale chocolate supplier for your business.

When buying chocolates, it is important to note that the product is delicate and perishable treats. Chocolate products bought from a wholesale supplier cannot be returned back. Therefore, you need to choose chocolate products, which have a longer life during shipping, and not the ones that are susceptible to heat and other natural vagaries.

Chocolates are susceptible to heat. They melt quickly. When you buy chocolates from an overseas wholesale chocolate supplier, it is important to enquire about the shipping supplier. You can find shipping suppliers, who are experts in handling deliveries of these products.

Chocolates delivered by well-known suppliers include icepacks when required. Express delivery is mandatory whenever you buy products from wholesale chocolate suppliers. It is considered, the most effective defense of your purchase.

Reputable, wholesale chocolate suppliers are so good, that shipments are made in such way that you get your products before a long weekend or extended vacations. Monday through Thursday is their shipment schedule. However, depending upon your business you can co-ordinate delivery from your supplier.

When buying assorted chocolates, it is important you identify the drop-shipping supplier. Drop shipping is a product delivery method in which the supplier accepts payment from the customer for an order, but the customer receives the order directly from the manufacturer. These suppliers should be reliable and must understand how to handle the shipment. Chocolates when spoilt or received in a damaged condition cannot be returned to the supplier.

If you are purchasing chocolates, which cannot withstand long hours in freight delivery, you have to chose only the harder brands if delivery involves longer time. Suppliers suggest the brand names of chocolates that are best for the situation.

Some of the advantages of buying from wholesale chocolate suppliers are:

Fast shippingSafe and secure productsNo contractsEconomical prices

Responsible wholesale chocolate suppliers and a reliable drop shipper will ensure your products are delivered at the right time with less contractual obligations. Chocolates are delicate products and deserver proper handling, packaging and shipment. Different suppliers offer different facilities in terms of drop shipping, product pricing etc. The most important thing to focus on is the record of accomplishment and reports of people who are doing business with a specific supplier. When, you are buying products from wholesale chocolate supplies you need to be extra careful because you are in turn selling those products to your customers.

Jerry's Nut House is one of the leading wholesale chocolate suppliers on the Internet. To know about the health benefits of chocolates, visit wiseGEEK.com

Everyone loves chocolates, whether it is a special occasion or if you are snacking it watching a rugby match. Many eat chocolates for their taste.

Wholesale chocolate suppliers sell directly to the public and to a large number of retailers. Chocolate bars are available in different shapes, sizes and brands. Some wholesale chocolate suppliers sell their products online, at affordable prices while others act only as a bridge between the manufacturer and retailer.

In this article let us discuss how to shortlist a wholesale chocolate supplier for your business.

When buying chocolates, it is important to note that the product is delicate and perishable treats. Chocolate products bought from a wholesale supplier cannot be returned back. Therefore, you need to choose chocolate products, which have a longer life during shipping, and not the ones that are susceptible to heat and other natural vagaries.

Chocolates are susceptible to heat. They melt quickly. When you buy chocolates from an overseas wholesale chocolate supplier, it is important to enquire about the shipping supplier. You can find shipping suppliers, who are experts in handling deliveries of these products.

Chocolates delivered by well-known suppliers include icepacks when required. Express delivery is mandatory whenever you buy products from wholesale chocolate suppliers. It is considered, the most effective defense of your purchase.

Reputable, wholesale chocolate suppliers are so good, that shipments are made in such way that you get your products before a long weekend or extended vacations. Monday through Thursday is their shipment schedule. However, depending upon your business you can co-ordinate delivery from your supplier.

When buying assorted chocolates, it is important you identify the drop-shipping supplier. Drop shipping is a product delivery method in which the supplier accepts payment from the customer for an order, but the customer receives the order directly from the manufacturer. These suppliers should be reliable and must understand how to handle the shipment. Chocolates when spoilt or received in a damaged condition cannot be returned to the supplier.

If you are purchasing chocolates, which cannot withstand long hours in freight delivery, you have to chose only the harder brands if delivery involves longer time. Suppliers suggest the brand names of chocolates that are best for the situation.

Some of the advantages of buying from wholesale chocolate suppliers are:

Fast shippingSafe and secure productsNo contractsEconomical prices

Responsible wholesale chocolate suppliers and a reliable drop shipper will ensure your products are delivered at the right time with less contractual obligations. Chocolates are delicate products and deserver proper handling, packaging and shipment. Different suppliers offer different facilities in terms of drop shipping, product pricing etc. The most important thing to focus on is the record of accomplishment and reports of people who are doing business with a specific supplier. When, you are buying products from wholesale chocolate supplies you need to be extra careful because you are in turn selling those products to your customers.

Jerry's Nut House is one of the leading wholesale chocolate suppliers on the Internet. To know about the health benefits of chocolates, visit wiseGEEK.com

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Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail

     I have exciting news!  We bought a house!  I am so excited I just had to share with all of you.  Most of you probably don't know but this will be my first purchase of a house.  My husband bought the house we are currently living in before we met so it was already purchased and decorated.  Now that we purchased a house together we get to decorate it together!

      One of my favorite things about our new house are the pantries.  That's right...pantries...as in two!  One is in the dining area and the other next to the kitchen.  The one next to the kitchen is huge and runs floor to ceiling.  I can't wait to stuff it with all my cooking gadgets, bakeware, and specialty foods.  I'm also looking forward to painting the house and getting settled in.

       To celebrate our new house I wanted to make a fun cocktail.  I bought a bottle of champagne a few weeks ago because I knew we were getting close to our closing date.  I wanted to make something fun, elegant, and easy.  I remembered seeing these pomegranate champagne cocktails and knew they would be perfect.  I dressed them up a little with fresh raspberries and they were both beautiful and delicious!

Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail (adapted from Williams-Sonoma)
1 oz. pomegranate juice
5 oz. champagne
fresh raspberries

1.  Pour the pomegranate juice into the bottom of a champagne glass.  Pour the champagne in on top of the juice to mix it.  Top with fresh raspberries.

     I have exciting news!  We bought a house!  I am so excited I just had to share with all of you.  Most of you probably don't know but this will be my first purchase of a house.  My husband bought the house we are currently living in before we met so it was already purchased and decorated.  Now that we purchased a house together we get to decorate it together!

      One of my favorite things about our new house are the pantries.  That's right...pantries...as in two!  One is in the dining area and the other next to the kitchen.  The one next to the kitchen is huge and runs floor to ceiling.  I can't wait to stuff it with all my cooking gadgets, bakeware, and specialty foods.  I'm also looking forward to painting the house and getting settled in.

       To celebrate our new house I wanted to make a fun cocktail.  I bought a bottle of champagne a few weeks ago because I knew we were getting close to our closing date.  I wanted to make something fun, elegant, and easy.  I remembered seeing these pomegranate champagne cocktails and knew they would be perfect.  I dressed them up a little with fresh raspberries and they were both beautiful and delicious!

Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail (adapted from Williams-Sonoma)
1 oz. pomegranate juice
5 oz. champagne
fresh raspberries

1.  Pour the pomegranate juice into the bottom of a champagne glass.  Pour the champagne in on top of the juice to mix it.  Top with fresh raspberries.

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Princess April Morning-Glory by Letitia Fairbanks

      

     At long last, Princess April Morning-Glory emerges as a lost treasure from the golden age of Hollywood. Written and illustrated in 1941 by Letitia Fairbanks, the niece of silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, the seemingly traditional children’s book is transformed into a modern-day fairy tale that will captivate child and adult readers alike. Letitia was inspired to create portraiture for the characters of Princess April Morning-Glory from film stars of the day.

     John Barrymore, and Letitia's cousin Douglas Fairbanks Jr., provided glamorous inspiration through their then-current films. The Wicked King's (Barrymore) costume was sparked by his role as Louis XV in Irving Thalberg's 1938 Marie Antoinette, while the hairstyle resembles his eponymous role in Archie Mayo's 1931 Svengali. Prince Chivalry was inspired by her cousin's (Fairbanks) sword-fighting role in David O. Selznick's 1937 The Prisoner of Zenda. 

     Viewed as unconventional when it first debuted – up until then, no one had thought to meld a Disney-like moral tale with a swashbuckling adventure – the story centers on the prescient acknowledgment that we create our destinies by the choices that we make. The main narrative is focused around the brave and courageous Princess April who must first transcend darkness and evil before she can realize her true potential. Intrigued by the Great World and its sense of adventure, a young Princess April decides to abandon the familiarity of her home in Fairyland and undertake a voyage into the unknown. Once outside the Enchanted Forest, she finds comfort and friendship in the company of various creatures who ensure her safe passage. But returning home proves more difficult than at first she realized. In order to go back to Fairyland, a friendly wizard informs Princess April that she must first accomplish three good deeds. 

    Can Princess April resist the temptation of darker forces and summon enough courage to continue doing good deeds? And if she dares to hold true to herself, will it someday lead her back home again? 

    I thought that this was a beautifully written children's book.  The story of Princess April Morning-Glory is one of a small fairy who leaves her kingdom without really understanding what she is doing.  She becomes lost and cannot find her way back to the Fairy Kingdom.  As she tries to find her way back she encounters the dangers of the forest.

    She finally meets a Wizard who tells her that in order to get back she must do three good deeds.  Princess April finds this an easy task and helps many people and animals around her.  When it is time to find the rainbow which connects to Fairy Land she is captured by a bad fairy.  Even in that situation she was brave and strong.  

     The illustrations in this book are beautiful.  The are large, colorful, and detailed.  They really brought detail to the story and I think children would love looking at them along with the story of Princess April Morning-Glory.

     However I did find two issues with this book.  The first is that it is written in a calligraphy font that is hard to read, especially if a child would be trying to read this book on his/her own.  I also found the small illustrations in and behind the words to be distracting from the larger pictures that are so wonderful.  

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

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     At long last, Princess April Morning-Glory emerges as a lost treasure from the golden age of Hollywood. Written and illustrated in 1941 by Letitia Fairbanks, the niece of silent film stars Douglas Fairbanks Sr. and Mary Pickford, the seemingly traditional children’s book is transformed into a modern-day fairy tale that will captivate child and adult readers alike. Letitia was inspired to create portraiture for the characters of Princess April Morning-Glory from film stars of the day.

     John Barrymore, and Letitia's cousin Douglas Fairbanks Jr., provided glamorous inspiration through their then-current films. The Wicked King's (Barrymore) costume was sparked by his role as Louis XV in Irving Thalberg's 1938 Marie Antoinette, while the hairstyle resembles his eponymous role in Archie Mayo's 1931 Svengali. Prince Chivalry was inspired by her cousin's (Fairbanks) sword-fighting role in David O. Selznick's 1937 The Prisoner of Zenda. 

     Viewed as unconventional when it first debuted – up until then, no one had thought to meld a Disney-like moral tale with a swashbuckling adventure – the story centers on the prescient acknowledgment that we create our destinies by the choices that we make. The main narrative is focused around the brave and courageous Princess April who must first transcend darkness and evil before she can realize her true potential. Intrigued by the Great World and its sense of adventure, a young Princess April decides to abandon the familiarity of her home in Fairyland and undertake a voyage into the unknown. Once outside the Enchanted Forest, she finds comfort and friendship in the company of various creatures who ensure her safe passage. But returning home proves more difficult than at first she realized. In order to go back to Fairyland, a friendly wizard informs Princess April that she must first accomplish three good deeds. 

    Can Princess April resist the temptation of darker forces and summon enough courage to continue doing good deeds? And if she dares to hold true to herself, will it someday lead her back home again? 

    I thought that this was a beautifully written children's book.  The story of Princess April Morning-Glory is one of a small fairy who leaves her kingdom without really understanding what she is doing.  She becomes lost and cannot find her way back to the Fairy Kingdom.  As she tries to find her way back she encounters the dangers of the forest.

    She finally meets a Wizard who tells her that in order to get back she must do three good deeds.  Princess April finds this an easy task and helps many people and animals around her.  When it is time to find the rainbow which connects to Fairy Land she is captured by a bad fairy.  Even in that situation she was brave and strong.  

     The illustrations in this book are beautiful.  The are large, colorful, and detailed.  They really brought detail to the story and I think children would love looking at them along with the story of Princess April Morning-Glory.

     However I did find two issues with this book.  The first is that it is written in a calligraphy font that is hard to read, especially if a child would be trying to read this book on his/her own.  I also found the small illustrations in and behind the words to be distracting from the larger pictures that are so wonderful.  

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Herb and Garlic Crusted Prime Rib Roast with Burgundy Thyme Gravy

Herb and Garlic Crusted Prime Rib Roast with Burgundy Thyme Gravy

This is one of my favorite celebration meals and although I do cook prime rib roast several ways, this is still the easiest and one of the most flavorful. The burgundy thyme gravy is something I almost always serve with this particular meal along with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables. Some Yorkshire Pudding popovers are also delicious with this meal. Find out how to make perfect popovers here:  http://www.nlrockrecipes.com/2012/10/cheddar-parmesan-popovers.html

Serves 6 -8

• 4 ½ - 5 pound Prime Rib Roast

Mix together:

• 6 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 3-4 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup fresh chopped mixed herbs (Oregano, rosemary and thyme work well.)

Rub the herb garlic mix all over the surface of the roast. Press it into the meat a little to make it stick as much as possible. Roast, rib side down, uncovered on a rack in a preheated 375 degree F oven until the center reaches the desired temperature on a meat thermometer; 145 degrees F for rare, 160-165 degrees F for medium and 175-180 degrees F for well done.

It is essential that you let the roast rest, tented in aluminum foil for about 20 minutes for a large roast. This allows the juices to settle and the meat fibers to relax, making the meat far more tender.

Burgundy Thyme Gravy

• 4 cups beef broth (or a combination of fat skimmed pan drippings and beef broth to make 4 cups)
• 1 cup burgundy wine
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or about 1 tsp dried ground thyme)

Simmer together uncovered for about 20-30 minutes until the volume of the liquid is reduced by about one third.

In a separate heavy bottomed saucepan add

• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic

Cook together stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until foamy. Slowly and steadily whisk in the boiling broth mixture. Whisk quickly and steadily as you add the hot liquid to prevent lumps in the gravy. Season with salt to taste. Add a little more beef broth if you like thinner gravy.

Herb and Garlic Crusted Prime Rib Roast with Burgundy Thyme Gravy

This is one of my favorite celebration meals and although I do cook prime rib roast several ways, this is still the easiest and one of the most flavorful. The burgundy thyme gravy is something I almost always serve with this particular meal along with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables. Some Yorkshire Pudding popovers are also delicious with this meal. Find out how to make perfect popovers here:  http://www.nlrockrecipes.com/2012/10/cheddar-parmesan-popovers.html

Serves 6 -8

• 4 ½ - 5 pound Prime Rib Roast

Mix together:

• 6 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 3-4 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ cup fresh chopped mixed herbs (Oregano, rosemary and thyme work well.)

Rub the herb garlic mix all over the surface of the roast. Press it into the meat a little to make it stick as much as possible. Roast, rib side down, uncovered on a rack in a preheated 375 degree F oven until the center reaches the desired temperature on a meat thermometer; 145 degrees F for rare, 160-165 degrees F for medium and 175-180 degrees F for well done.

It is essential that you let the roast rest, tented in aluminum foil for about 20 minutes for a large roast. This allows the juices to settle and the meat fibers to relax, making the meat far more tender.

Burgundy Thyme Gravy

• 4 cups beef broth (or a combination of fat skimmed pan drippings and beef broth to make 4 cups)
• 1 cup burgundy wine
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or about 1 tsp dried ground thyme)

Simmer together uncovered for about 20-30 minutes until the volume of the liquid is reduced by about one third.

In a separate heavy bottomed saucepan add

• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves minced garlic

Cook together stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until foamy. Slowly and steadily whisk in the boiling broth mixture. Whisk quickly and steadily as you add the hot liquid to prevent lumps in the gravy. Season with salt to taste. Add a little more beef broth if you like thinner gravy.

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