Juniper Pepper Gravy is easy to make, and healthier without the fat drippings. Perfect with gamier meats at Thanksgivings, Christmas or just with dinner! Excellent as a Vegetarian Gravy.
Take 5 dried juniper berries and 15 peppercorns and smash them together in a pestle and mortar until it resembles coarse ground pepper. Set aside.
Melt butter in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour and mix together (I used a wooden spoon). It will have a grainy texture. Cook for about 5 minutes until golden. If using, add the sherry and mix.
Prepare the chicken stock and add the juniper mix into the stock. Slowly whisk in the stock, constanty mixing. Add tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, juniper berry and black pepper mixture and salt. Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook until it thickens (about 5-7or more minutes).
Strain though a sieve into a jug, to take out the lumps. Adjust seasonings if necessary and enjoy.