Gravy Boats

Gravy boats are a handy piece of serveware. Shaped much like the hull of a boat, they act like a shallow pitcher from which to pour gravy and other sauces. Although not an absolute kitchen necessity, sauce boats are rather practical and can be used for more than just Thanksgiving dinner. If you’re considering purchasing a gravy boat, take a look at the following tips to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.

What features does a good gravy boat have?

While all gravy bowls will serve the same function — dousing your food with sauce — there are a few features that you may want. It’s smart to look for a gravy dish with a stand or saucer, that way you can catch the occasional drips so they don’t damage your tablecloth or table itself. Also, a sauce boat with a lid is a wise investment, especially if you want to keep said sauce warmer longer or keep out any stray food crumbs. If you’re less into pouring and more into ladling, make sure your gravy boat comes with a serving ladle; it can also cut down on having to pass the entire boat across the table. Last but not least, make sure your saucier is dishwasher-safe if you simply cannot stand the thought of washing one more dirty dish!

What else can I use a gravy boat for?

The history of the gravy boat can be traced back to the 17th century French courts as part of the Nouvelle cuisine movement, which placed more emphasis on the presentation of food. This trend quickly caught on and stuck with us, as we still use sauce boats (at least once a year!) to this day. Having been around for so long, it’s not unusual that we’ve found a few other uses for the gravy pouring device. Try using it with maple syrup for those yummy pancake breakfasts, or pouring glazes over the top of cakes for a stunning dripping effect. You can also use a well-designed gravy dish as a piece of kitchen decor when not in use, or as a makeshift candy dish.