Yes, I know it’s figgy pudding, but that’s for Christmas! With Turkey Day a week away, you KNOW I have to share a tried and true EYHOE recipe with you all! For starters, I hate turkey…I actually have not been eating much meat these days, but that’s a topic for a different time, anyway, as always, I digress. So yeah, turkey is kinda blah, unless you have a deep-fried one, then oh, yes! I LOVE turkey haha. But I know for most Thanksgiving-goers a roasted bird is the standard. Recently I have prepared a few turkey 
dishes for my clients, and just last week, as I was preparing my turkey meatloaf with fig gravy, it dawned on me – FIGGY GRAVY for Thanksgiving turkey! Gah! YES!
Now don’t let the bird stand in the way of you and this gravy, I have served it over pork, chicken breasts, and if you thicken the sauce (or just use a lot less liquid), it makes a scrumptious fig paste for fish, like Salmon. Oh, and it does not stop there, you can also use it as a salad dressing, as my Dad does! I seriously cannot not wait for you all to try this recipe, and for a part of me (hopefully) to be a part of you and your family/friends’ Thanksgiving eats. 🙂
Figgy Gravy
Ingredients
1 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil**
1 medium shallot, minced
2 cups apple cider
1 cup chicken stock (can sub vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
1 bay leaf
1/2 lb. (8 oz.) dried mission figlets
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1 tsp. orange zest
** For an oil-free version omit the EVOO and “water-sauté” the shallots
Directions
In a medium saucepan, over med-high heat, heat oil and sauté shallot for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, and then low the heat and simmer, uncovered for about 35-40 minutes, until figs are soft and mixture has reduced by about half.
If so desired, do as I do, and use your immersion hand blender (because you all have one right?! Right?! If not read my post here http://eatyourheartoutedibles.com/kitchen-tool-cant-live-without/ as to WHY you NEED to get one) and pulse the mixture a few times, until slightly pureed and thickened.
Serve with your fav bird! Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!
Click here for a printable copy of the Figgy Gravy Recipe
