Basting Spoons

Many people believe that basting adds moisture and tenderness to the meat as it cooks but this is actually a fallacy. Meat does not soak up moisture while it cooks, so the best way to keep a roast moist is simply not to over cook it. What basting does do is create a beautiful brown glaze to the top of the meat and it keeps the outer most layers from drying out. The process of basting also creates more flavorful pan juices, which in turn, make for better gravy.

While it is common practice to use the pan juices as the basting liquid, some folks like to create their own unique recipe on the stovetop to give the gravy and meat a more distinct flavor. Start with a pot on the stove with some beef or poultry broth simmering. Add the desired spices and ingredients and let them all cook together until it is time to baste the roast. Spoon the mixture out of the pot and over the meat evenly. Repeat the process until the mixture is gone and then use the pan juices as they will be appropriately flavored at this point.