Even if you grew up associating “gravy” with the white, sausage-studded sauce spooned over biscuits—or perhaps the golden-brown goodness you drizzle atop sliced roast turkey—we bet you’ll be charmed ...

The first person I called for advice before writing this article was Pop — that is, my dad, Robert DiResto, 84. After all, I learned how to cook as a child from him, standing at his elbow in a kitchen ...