Let's talk Bone Broth...

 Bone broth. The first time I heard that term I thought "Ewwwwwwww that sounds disgusting!" Now when I hear the term bone broth my mouth starts to water. I don't know if it it is knowing all the actual benefits to drinking it, the process of making it, or both. Let me first tell you this is the cheapest, healthiest beneficial thing you can do for yourself. 

Let's first talk about all the health benefits of making your own bone broth.

 

I myself think that is quite the list of benefits! Not to mention is definitely helps with weight loss as well. Drinking or cooking with bone broth is so healing. It contains nutrients that are not usually in our every day food, including gelatin, collagen and glucosamine. These are especially good for healthy digestive systems, strong bones and joints. These are things your body requires to be as healthy as possible. Also great for your hair, skin and nails.  

Here is my BONE BROTH RECIPE

You can always save up bones and freeze them until you make a batch. This time I started with a whole chicken. Of course you can use beef bones as well. Some people add chicken feet and other stuff. I just stick to my recipe. :)

First I started my basic stock recipe. 

1 whole chicken 3 1/2 lbs plus

1 large onion

2 carrots peeled and roughly chopped

3 celery stalks halved

1 TBL chopped garlic

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper

1 cup apple cider vinegar

Throw everything except the vinegar in a large pot and cover with cold water  Bring to a boil and simmer until chicken is cooked through. The chicken is done when the leg is loose and wiggles easily on the bone. 1 hour plus- depending on the size of the chicken. 

Remove the chicken carefully with as many utensils as possible since the chicken will be very tender.

Place it on a plate. If you do not have time to let it cool, get a bowl of ice water to dunk your hands in a and it will make the chicken easier to work with. Pull all the meat off and put aside.. Take all your bones and throw it in your crockpot with the stock you just made along with 1 cup apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps soften the bones.  Cook on low for 12-72 hours. The longer you cook the more nutrients you will get. If icky scum is sitting on top skim it off. When done you want to strain it in the finest strainer you have. 

Then I split my broth into two. One I left as my traditional chicken bone broth. The other half I seasoned with cumin and corriander and lime juice for a Mexican bone broth.

After it is cooled I put in jars and bags. Freeze most of it. I kept a jar in the fridge for immediate use. 

I cook with it, or drink a cup of it. It is so delicious and it is great if I am ravenous in the kitchen at dinner time. I drink a cup while I am making dinner and it curbs my appetite and I end up eating less than if I waited and I inhailed whatever I was cooking. 

 

I hope you give this a try and see the benefits for yourself!

~D