10 ham gravy recipes

Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo with a dark roux, ham, two kinds of sausage, Creole seasoning, and cayenne. A Louisiana party pot that feeds 15 to 20.

Spiced blueberry jam simmers fresh blueberries with apple-grape juice concentrate, orange juice, and warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and mace. A refined-sugar-free freezer jam that captures summer with autumn warmth.

Broiled until popped, then macerated in sugar and brandy. Works as a cranberry sauce with a bit of kick for meats and also as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

Pico de gallo, the classic Mexican rooster's beak salsa, made with diced tomato, white onion, cilantro, serrano chiles, lime, and salt. Crisp, fresh, never mushy. The 10-minute taqueria staple.

Homemade golden peach butter with cinnamon, cloves, and lemon zest. Slow-simmered from ripe peaches and water bath canned for pantry storage. A beautiful holiday gift or toast topper.

Smoky, spicy black bean pesto made with ham hock, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro stems. A thick, spreadable paste for tacos, chips, or as a bold side dish. Makes 3 cups.

This syrup is delicious with fruits, in a marinade for chicken or pork, or as the basis of a cooling drink.

If you omit the raw egg, you still get a nice sauce. According to an ancient proverb, "Garlic is as good as 10 mothers." If the latest flu bug has hit your house--and whose has escaped--you may be ready to test claims for garlic's medicinal powers.

Hearty red beans and rice with smoked sausage, ham, the holy trinity, and tomato sauce. Dried kidney beans simmered from scratch with mashed beans for a thick, creamy gravy.

Scalloped potatoes and ham casserole with creamy milk gravy, layered with onions and topped with buttery bread crumbs. A hearty one-dish dinner that bakes hands-free.