Brown Gravy Is a Great Comfort Food in Need of a Stage Name!

Brown gravy … it’s one of the great comfort foods in the universe, isn’t it? With a delicious aroma and even better taste, brown gravy enhances everything from boring hamburger patties to plain mashed potatoes. And these days, with the economy in such bad shape and money so tight, aren’t we all in need of a little bit of old-fashioned coddling without the cost of a spa?

That’s where brown gravy comes in. It’s difficult to make from scratch, requiring roasting beef bones with vegetables, and then scrubbing the pan once you’re done cooking and stirring and scraping up little bits of meat. So who has the time or the disposable income for this??? Here’s a secret: use a brown gravy mix. Now I know, that’s a phrase that really needs a new name -- “brown gravy mix” sounds bland and boring and cheap. But I assure you this is the way to go for supreme comfort in trying times.

The best brown gravy mix I’ve found (and I’ve done a lot of looking, since my hobby is entering cooking contests and I’m always trying new sponsor products as a result) comes from Rawleigh. You’d never know that it’s practically instant! It’s easy to use, appropriate for vegetarians, and even comes in a jar (rather than a packet) so you can use a lot or a little without worrying about the mix spoiling before your next brown gravy craving. So my first recommendation is to get some Rawleigh mix, and then proceed with my suggestions for how to use it.

Brown gravy can be poured over meatloaf, burgers, or roasted potatoes. It can be the basis for beef or mushroom stroganoff, or even for an exceptional beef stew. Brown gravy is the basis for one of the best comfort foods ever -- pot pie. There’s no limit to what brown gravy can enhance, and how good it is for nurturing your soul at the end of a long day.

It should have a better name, showing off all its potential and fragrance and delicious flavor! But even with its plain label, brown gravy is one of the most comforting foods you’ll ever eat, and one that can be made any time a craving strikes if you take my advice and rely upon a handy mix.