RECIPE AND REASONS
Well...with or without the Corona Virus scare, we have a jar or two of homemade chicken broth, or beef broth in our refrigerators at all times. It's common for our kids to sip a cup full of broth like you would coffee even on a day when they feel great, but are just a little cold from playing outside all day. It's definitely a "feel good" food, but what if we told you that bone broth is one of the most nourishing and mineral-rich foods that you can eat? We're not talking about the kind you get from a can or a box on the shelf at your local grocery store. We're talking about make-it-yourself broth from bones that are sourced from clean, all-natural animals. (Like ours).
Bone broths are also the cornerstone for many diet protocols including SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet), GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome), and candida cleanses. These special diets are designed to heal chronic digestive inflammatory illnesses and would not be as successful without a healthy dose of bone broth.
Using bone broth to heal the lining of the digestive system helps to protect your body from colds and flu's by improving digestion, supporting your immune system, and aiding in brain function. Also, the calcium in bone broth is an excellent supplement for children and their growing bones (or older folks as we age). We could write on and on about the benefits of this gift from our Creator, but there are many, many articles out there at your fingertips. For scientific and nutritional facts check out this article which will make anyone a believer in broth: https://chriskresser.com/the-bountiful-benefits-of-bone-broth-a-comprehensive-guide/
So. Now that we agree that we want to tap into this treasure, how do we make our own? Let's go over ingredients first. You will need:
INGREDIENTS
Love and...
1- Old Century Meats Whole Chicken
1- Bag of Old Century Meats Soup Parts
1-2 Onions Coarsely Chopped
3-4 Peeled and Chopped Carrots
3-4 Celery Stalks (with leaves)
4 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar (helps extract the minerals from the bones)
2 TBS Thyme
Cold Bottled Water, enough to completely cover all ingredients (Tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals that concentrate during this process)
*ADD Old Century Meats Chicken Feet and Giblets for more gelatin and health benefits
*You will add salt before serving, or any other seasoning you like to spice it up. Just do not add it to the pot.
DIRECTIONS:
Place all above ingredients in a large stock pot and cover with cold filtered water. Let stand for 30 minutes and then put the pot on the stove. Bring to a boil but immediately lower the temperature to a simmer on low heat until the whole chicken begins to fall apart, (1-2 hours). Pull out the chicken when done, shred and reserve meat for any of your favorite meals (chicken salad, chicken sandwiches, chicken casseroles, etc.). Place all remaining skin and bones back in stock pot. Simmer for 24-48 hours. Strain all solids with a mesh strainer and store broth in Mason Jars or Ziploc Bags in the refrigerator. Season with salt and any spices you wish as you use it...and thank God for this delicious, healing food!
Here's a picture by picture, step by step.
1.) Roughly chop all vegetables:
2.) Add whole chicken, chicken soup parts, thyme and all chopped veggies to a large stock pot:
3.) Add filtered water to cover all ingredients and pour in the apple cider vinegar:
4.) Let stand for 30 minutes and then put the pot on the stove. Bring to a boil but immediately lower the temperature to a simmer on low heat until the chicken begins to fall apart. (Ranges from 1-2 hours depending on the stove temperature).
5.) Pull out the chicken, shred the meat and save it for your favorite recipe. Throw the bones and skin back into the pot:
6.) Let simmer for 24-48 hours. Strain out all veggies and bones with a colander or mesh screen if you want a clearer broth.
7.) Stop a minute and marvel at this beautiful gift from God. It makes you feel healthier just looking at it.
8.) Pour broth (when able according to temperature) into mason jars or plastic storage bags.
9.) Add salt to taste to the broth before serving. You can enjoy this all by its beautiful self or make a soup out of it with whatever vegetables sound good to you. Our kids LOVE it with rice and this is especially perfect when they are sick.
We are here for you to encourage you in your efforts to eat better and healthier. Always feel free to call us for more tips and ideas or to walk you through your recipes using Old Century Meats (205-983-3280). Think of it like calling family. Here's to our health and gratitude to our Creator for His healing touch. God Bless!