In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam. Whisk in the all-purpose flour slowly, stirring constantly for about two to three minutes. You want the mixture to turn a light golden brown color and smell slightly nutty, which ensures the raw flour taste is completely gone before you add your liquids.
Slowly pour in the non-alcoholic apple cider while whisking vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming. Once the cider is integrated and the mixture is smooth, gradually add the broth. Continue whisking as the liquid begins to thicken and reaches a gentle simmer.
Add the chopped fresh sage and onion powder to the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for about ten minutes. This allows the sage to infuse the sauce with its earthy aroma and helps the flavors of the cider and broth meld together beautifully.
Taste the gravy and add salt and black pepper as needed. Keep in mind that if you plan to add turkey drippings on Christmas day, you may want to keep the salt levels slightly lower now so the final result is not too salty.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the gravy cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into an airtight container or a glass jar. You can store this in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it if you are preparing it even further in advance.
Cook Time:30 minutes
Diet:Standard (Gluten-Free and Vegetarian options mentioned)
