Hamburger Gravy

I first married at nearly 20 and hadn't paid much attention to the food my mother made using the palms of her hands as measurements.  I found myself on the phone asking her for this recipe. I was desperate for a taste of home and needed to know how to make something my young ones could eat. This has been a family favorite for years. It can be served over toast, white rice, or mashed potatoes. Last night, with the help of leftovers, I served up all three!

1 pound hamburger
salt
pepper
garlic
onion
(all to taste)
3 tsp Better Than Bullion Mushroom
3.5 TBSP Corn starch
3 Cups water

In our family, I used the powdered form of onion and garlic because I have two that hate the texture. This dinner is one I make on those busy, long days when we need it simple and without complaints at night. Why push the onions? Better Than Bullion is one of the rare gluten-free bullions...don't use the Aus Juis flavor, though! (Always check the label.)

Brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasonings to taste. Sprinkle corn starch over browned meat. Stir until coated. Add water. Let simmer until the corn starch turns from opaque to "clear" and of gravy thickness. TIP: If you like your gravy thicker, stir another tablespoon of corn starch into a quarter cup of cold water and then add it to the hot mixture. This prevents LUMPS. (And no one likes lumpy gravy.)

We served this up with canned green beans and grated mozarella for those who wanted the cheese.

Simple Introductions

Welcome to the kitchen!
You'll notice that there aren't many gadgets here... a toaster, a blender, an electric beater (our most frivilous space filler is the electric knife to cut a roast with)... and a collection of wooden spoons. 

I have this thing for a wooden spoon.  I like the way it fits in my hand.  I like that the batter stays were I stir it (or fling it, if I am so inclined.)  I prefer to keep food simple.  Unlike many cooks that strive for "simplicity" by using as many pre-made sauces and mixes as they can stash in a cupboard, I keep things as close to the ground as possible without eating them off the floor!

I am the mother of five, each with their own taste buds and dietary needs.  My grandmother prides herself on never fixing more than one dinner at a time, but I often find myself making one thing for the Celiacs, another for the onion lovers, another for the toddler pallet, and something entirely different for my dear hubby -- a self-proclaimed "noodle man in a rice family." 

This blog is dedicated to those recipes that turn out to be a sweet success for everyone.  I want families converting to a gluten-free diet to know that it isn't the end of the world -- food can still be fun for the whole family, even the Chef!