Turkey gravy is the unsung hero of the Thanksgiving meal. If you’re roasting your own turkey, you have everything you need to make a delicious homemade gravy. Here’s how:

Step 1: Place your discarded turkey giblets and neck in a pot; cover with 6 cups of water, some chopped carrots, onion, celery and a bay leaf; and simmer for 1-2 hours to make your stock.

Step 2: When the turkey is done, remove it from the roasting pan onto a platter or cutting board to rest (rubber dishwashing gloves work very well for this purpose. You get a good grip on the bird, plus they’re insulated enough that your hands won’t burn).

Step 3: Pour all the pan juices into a glass measuring cup, then skim off and discard most of the fat. Put a couple spoonfuls of fat back into the roasting pan and add an equal amount of white flour. Whisk into a paste. If using a disposable pan, transfer paste and as much of the crusty stuff as you can into a medium-size pot. If using a roasting pan, set directly over a low flame on the stovetop.

Step 4: Whisk in your hot giblet stock and stir until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Related: Three Ways to Roast a Turkey