• 4 T pan drippings and/or butter
• 6 T flour
• 1 c red wine
• 2 c beef, chicken, turkey or veggie broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 black peppercorns

Roux:

Heat fat or butter over medium high heat. Add flour all at once whisking vigorously. When mixture thins and starts to bubble, reduce heat to low and cut back on the whisking. Cook until you smell a toasty aroma then cook 2 minutes more, stirring occasionally.

Roux can be used immediately to thicken a liquid that is at or below room temperature. To thicken a hot liquid, allow roux to cool to room temperature, or refrigerate.

Gravy:

Remove roast/bird from pan and pour off any fat. Place over high heat (use 2 burners if necessary) and deglaze pan with wine and broth, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula. Once these solids are dissolved, pour liquid into a saucepan and add the bay leaf and peppercorns. Reduce for 5 minutes over high heat or until reduced by ⅓.

At this point you basically have a jus which could be used to sauce your roast. To create a gravy, reduce the heat to medium and whisk in 2 tablespoons of white roux. Return to a simmer, whisking constantly. Continuing to cook once a simmer has been reached will result in a smoother sauce, but not a thicker one.

Since all starch thickened sauces thicken as they cool, it's a good idea to make your gravy a little on the loose side.

Cooking time: 15 - 30 minutes

This is due for an updating. I've tried Guy Fierri's gravy and it turned out great, so stay tuned!

Sources: Redi-Base and this