I find if I cook a roast with potatoes and carrots or squash in the pan, my gravy doesn't need flour or cornstarch to thicken--the veggies provide it. If I need thickener, I use cornstarch because SIL is gluten free, and doesn't seem to lump up on me
Rene--enjoy the visit with family! We are patiently(NOT!) waiting the arrival of our grandson. Due on the 7th, but daughter is way past wanting him out!
I have done this in a crockpot, and put crockfuls in oven with cheese just before dinner. You can let it cook all day--6 hrs on low--and have it ready when you want it
I usually use cornstarch because flour sometimes is lumpy--use flour if you prefer. My sister uses instant mashed potato flakes to thicken soups. Sometimes I take some of the soup out, puree it and return it to pot as thickener
here is how I make this--son's favorite soup: in Dutch oven:
melt 1 stick butter, add chopped onion to saute' until clear and soft. Add broccoli (frozen chopped or chopped fresh--as much as you like). Cover with chicken broth and simmer 15 min. Add 1 whole brick of velveeta cut into cubes...
making crockpot ham and potato soup for dinner: depending on size of crockpot, ingredients:
cubed potatoes, diced onion, diced carrots, diced ham(leftovers work great) parsley, thyme, pepper cover with chicken broth. Cook 7 hrs low. 30 min before dinner, stir in 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup sour...