Homemade Gravy

*If you don't have fresh chicken stock, you can use cubes - I used Bisto turkey granules for this on Thanksgiving 2008*

Ingredients
* 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (2 onions)
* 1/4 cup flour
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* Defatted turkey drippings plus chicken stock to make 2 cups, heated
* 1 tablespoon Cognac or brandy
* 1 tablespoon white wine, optional
* 1 tablespoon heavy cream, optional

Directions

In a large (10 to 12-inch) saute pan, cook the butter and onions over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, until the onions are lightly browned. Don't rush this step; it makes all the difference when the onions are well-cooked.

Sprinkle the flour into the pan, whisk in, then add the salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the hot chicken stock mixture and Cognac, and cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened. Add the wine and cream, if desired. Season, to taste, and serve.

Source: Barefoot Contessa

Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Whipped Cream

Ingredients
Pie crust (see Paula Deen's for the best fresh one - graham cracker pie crust also works well)

1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 large eggs

3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar

Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°F. Reshape crust edge to form high-standing rim. Bake crust until browned, pressing bottom and sides of crust occasionally with back of fork, about 14 minutes. Cool crust on rack. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Whisk pumpkin, condensed milk, sour cream, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger, vanilla, and allspice in large bowl to blend. Whisk in eggs. Pour into crust (some filling may be left over).

Bake pie until filling is puffed around sides and set in center, about 55 minutes. Cool pie on rack. (Can be made ahead. Let stand at room temperature 2 hours, or cover and chill overnight.)

Beat whipping cream, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ginger in bowl until peaks form. Spoon large dollops around edge of pie and serve.