GLUTEN-FREE ROASTED GARLIC AND HERB GRAVY

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Peel most of the papery skin away from the garlic head. Place on a cutting board and cut off the top 1 inch. Discard the top. Place the garlic head on a small sheet of foil. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and lightly sprinkle with salt. Tightly wrap and place on a small sheet tray in case it leaks. Roast until golden brown and soft, 55 to 65 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
• Meanwhile in a medium saucepot, combine the chicken stock, thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 30 minutes.
• Add the reserved drippings to the pot. Squeeze in the roasted garlic from the head. Stir and then remove from heat. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl, pushing the garlic through, then pour the strained stock back into a clean pot. Add in some freshly cracked black pepper and more salt, if needed.
• To make the slurry, combine 1/2 cup of the cornstarch with 1/2 cup cold water in a small bowl. Whisk together.
• Bring the stock back up to a simmer over medium. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and then bring to a boil to thicken. If the gravy looks too loose, make another slurry with the remaining cornstarch and slowly whisk in a little bit at a time until you feel the gravy thicken. Taste for seasoning. Keep warm until needed.