How to Make Sausage Gravy

While I was pregnant, I craved sausage gravy and biscuits.  We now live in Pennsylvania and there is no where to get good biscuits and gravy. Luckily, my mom taught me to make them from scratch. The last time I made them I thought about my sister who makes gravy from a packet you buy at the grocery store. This is written for her!!

Also, this gravy with eggs and biscuits are a good quick supper!

 

First I start with a large skillet and sausage.

Then I brown the sausage on medium heat. I brown the entire package. I will only use two patties for the gravy.  I usually save the rest for another recipe, if I can keep the boys from eating it all. When it is brown I take out the sausage and leave the rendered fat.

Then I add about 3 tablespoons of flour. Sprinkle it evenly around the pan as above. The flour should soak up the sausage fat. You want the flour to slightly brown, which takes about 3-4 minutes. I always get nervous at this point, that it will burn. But, don't add the milk too fast or your gravy tastes like paste.

Then add the milk, about 2-3 cups. I use skim milk, because it is what I have. You could use any kind of milk.

Then whisk to combine browned flour and milk. I don't like lumpy gravy, so I stir like crazy. When you get all the flour incorporated. Then remember to add salt. I frequently forget and that is not good. It does not taste as good if you forget the salt.

Continue to whisk as it heats and begins to bubble. Then crumble a few pieces of sausage back in the pan.

When the gravy has thickened it is ready to eat.

Hauling Around Sports Equipment

This week we picked up football equipment for our 8 year old twin boys.  Our family is from Oklahoma were football is king. The start of football is a big deal in our family. Although, one of them has a broken wrist and won't be hitting for a few weeks. 

With the start of practice, comes tons of stuff!!!! I somehow become responsible for said equipment.  I don't even know what pads go where.  And apparently, you are not supposed to wash uniforms with bleach. Oops!!

This year I have found a solution. Thirty one large utility tote holds everything.  I bought one for each boy in team colors, one with stripes and one without. They can haul them to practice and they have a spot in the house.

One small thing that makes my life easier!

Quiche for Mommy's Lunch

I am always looking for lunches to take to work. I need them to taste good, last all week in the fridge and be healthy.  I tried a new recipe for this week and it was good so I thought I would share.

It is from Mom on a Time Out. Below is the link to the original recipe.

http://www.momontimeout.com/2012/08/zucchini-green-chile-quiche-recipe/

I reduced the cheese and chiles, left out the cottage cheese and changed the shallots to green onion. Next time I might make it without a crust. It will have significantly less calories without a crust. Half a can of green chiles created a mild flavor. Mild was perfect for me, but if you want more spice add more.

1 pie crust

1 medium zucchini

1 Tbls olive oil

2 green onions 

1/4 c all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp Kosher salt

 Dash of pepper

1/2 tsp baking powder

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, grated

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained

Directions:

First prebake the crust for 7 minutes at 375 degrees.

Then grate the zucchini, I used a paper towel to soak up the extra moisture.

Cook the zucchini and green onions in a skillet about five minutes. While the zucchini mixture is cooking, combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl. Use a fork to fluff the eggs and combine. Add zucchini mixture.

Place mixture in the pie crust and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

11 Quick Meals Before Football Practice

Next week my boys start football practice, Go Spartans.  It starts early, in the evening, and it is always a race to feed them between work and practice.  They get hot and sweaty, so we keep it light. The coaches don't appreciate puking, because they ate a heavy meal. All meals have carbs for quick energy and protein to sustain them through practice.

1. tomato soup and Barilla tortellini (cook all in one pot)

2. hard-boiled eggs and fruit

3. French bread pizza

4. grilled cheese

5. scrambled eggs and toast

6. ham and cheese sandwich

7. chicken noodle soup with cheddar cheese

8. peanut butter with celery and raisins

9. pretzel rods wrapped with cheese and turkey

11. tortilla pizza

They will eat again when they get home, but these usually hold them over.  Tell me about your quick meal ideas.