dried beef gravy over mashed potatoes

This one was one of my favorites as a kid. I remember my grandparents talking about having this when they were kids, so it’s definitely a feel good, throwback meal. As a meal that dates back to the depression era, this meal may be fondly (or, well not so fondly) known as SOS.

Serves 6 Time: 30 minutes

Gravy Ingredients 2 small jars of dried beef 4 TBSP unsalted butter 4 TBSP flour 2- 3 cups milk fresh ground pepper

Mashed Potato Ingredients 6 potatoes (or one per person) 2-4 TBSP butter 1/2 cup milk (more or less to preferred consistency)

1. Peel and dice potatoes into large chunks

2. Place potatoes in large pot of water and heat on stovetop

3. Bring to a boil

4. While potatoes are boiling, get a large shallow pan on another burner

5. Bring to medium low heat and melt butter to begin the gravy

6. Add milk (a little at a time) and flour to the saucepan and continue to stir with spoon or whisk

7. Continue to stir the gravy so that it does not burn

8. Stir until gravy thickens

9. Cut dried beef into strips or small pieces and add to gravy

10. Add cracked black pepper to taste

11. By now, your potatoes should be done. (Test with a fork- if they can be easily poked with a fork, then they are done).

12. Drain water

13. Add potatoes to a mixer and slow beat

14. Add in butter to your liking

15. Add 1/2 cup of milk slowly. May need more or less depending on the consistency of your liking.

16. Add salt if you would like. The gravy is very salty, so I do not add salt to these potatoes.