The old Gary Cooper movie, Sgt. York, is a family favorite with our entire team. In one scene Ma asks the blessing and says, "Lord bless these vittles we done got...". Hence, the name of our recipe collection.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Nourishing Traditions Chicken Broth

http://eatlikebubba.blogspot.com/2009/09/chicken-bone-broth-nourishing.html

1 whole free-range chicken or 2 to 3 pounds of bony chicken parts, such as necks, backs, breastbones and wings*
gizzards from one chicken (optional)
2-4 chicken feet (optional)
4 quarts cold filtered water
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
3 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
1 bunch parsley

*Note: Farm-raised, free-range chickens give the best results. Many battery-raised chickens will not produce stock that gels.

If you are using a whole chicken, cut off the wings and remove the neck, fat glands and the gizzards from the cavity. Cut chicken parts into several pieces. (If you are using a whole chicken, remove the neck and wings and cut them into several pieces.) Place chicken or chicken pieces in a large stainless steel pot with water, vinegar and all vegetables except parsley. Let stand 30 minutes to 1 hour. Bring to a boil, and remove scum that rises to the top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2-3 hours.  Remove the chicken and pull the meat off to save for another use.  Return the bones, skin, etc. back into the pot and simmer for another 10 to 22 hours. The longer you cook the stock, the richer and more flavorful it will be. Don't cook longer than 24 hours or it can become bitter.  About 10 minutes before finishing the stock, add parsley. This will impart additional mineral ions to the broth.

Remove whole chicken or pieces with a slotted spoon. If you are using a whole chicken, let cool and remove chicken meat from the carcass. Reserve for other uses, such as chicken salads, enchiladas, sandwiches or curries. Strain the stock into a large bowl and reserve in your refrigerator until the fat rises to the top and congeals. Skim off this fat and reserve the stock in covered containers in your refrigerator or freezer.

This is a very nutritious broth.  The key is to not add too much water.  Several chickens can fit in my large stock pot to make a huge batch at one time.  This broth freezes well.
Love Always,
Mommy