Christmas Foods - Seasons Greetings!

• 7/8 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ cup milk, at room temperature
• ½ cup water, at room temperature
• 2 eggs, beaten, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp. fat drippings from the roasting pan, or 2 tbsp. olive oil

Blend the flour and salt together in a mixing bowl. Form a well in the center of the flour. Stir in the milk and beat until light and airy. Stir in the eggs and the water and beat the batter until large bubbles rise to the surface. Heat a 10 inch ovenproof frying pan until very hot. Add the fat drippings and quickly pour the batter into the hot frying pan. Cook over high heat for a few seconds. Place the pan in a preheated 400ºF oven and bake for 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF and continue baking 5 to 10 minutes more, until puffy and golden brown. Remove to a serving plate or serve right out of the frying pan.

• 3 cups beef stock
• 4 tbsp. butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. Maggi Liquid seasoning
• 2 tsp. Kitchen Bouquet
• Salt and pepper to taste

Bring the beef stock to a simmer in a 4 quart saucepan. In a small frying pan, melt the butter and add the flour. Cook together over low heat, stirring, until browned slightly, but do not burn. Stir the roux into the hot stock, using a wire whisk. Whisk and simmer until smooth. Add the Maggi, Kitchen Bouquet, and salt and pepper to taste.