The Amazing Health Benefits of Bone Broth and an Easy Recipe

The Unexpected Joys of Bone Broth: A Busy Mom's Culinary Adventure

Life as a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for anything beyond the basics often feels impossible. Yet, amidst the chaos, I discovered a simple pleasure, a culinary secret weapon that’s transformed not only my cooking but my well-being: bone broth. It’s not some exotic, time-consuming dish; rather, it's a surprisingly easy, incredibly nourishing elixir that fits perfectly into even the busiest of schedules.

My journey with bone broth began, oddly enough, with a persistent cough. I was exhausted, perpetually short of breath, and my immune system felt like it was constantly under siege. Desperate for a natural remedy, I stumbled upon countless articles praising the virtues of bone broth – a rich, gelatinous concoction brimming with collagen, minerals, and amino acids. Intrigued, and frankly, desperate for relief, I decided to give it a try. The results were astounding. Not only did my cough subside, but I felt a noticeable increase in energy and a significant improvement in my overall health. This wasn't just about fighting off illness; it was about preventative care, a gentle boost to my immune system, a way to nourish myself from the inside out. The taste, surprisingly, was far from medicinal. It's rich and savory, a versatile base for soups, stews, and even just a warm mug on a chilly evening.

What I love most about bone broth is its simplicity. The process, while requiring a long simmer, is incredibly hands-off. I usually start it in the morning, letting it simmer away quietly throughout the day. It's a background task, a gentle hum of nourishment in the midst of my busy routine. The investment of time is minimal compared to the nutritional rewards. Using leftover bones from roasts or chickens (a true win-win for reducing food waste!), I create a flavorful broth that’s packed with nutrients. I’ve experimented with different combinations of bones, vegetables, and herbs, tailoring the broth to our family’s taste preferences. The possibilities are endless, allowing me to create a customized elixir that perfectly suits my family’s dietary needs.

Beyond its health benefits, making bone broth has become a meditative practice for me. The slow simmering, the gentle bubbling, it's a quiet ritual in the midst of a hectic life. It’s a time for reflection, a moment to disconnect from the demands of the day and focus on the simple act of creating something nourishing and delicious. The aroma that wafts through my kitchen is comforting, a promise of warmth and well-being. And the feeling of accomplishment, knowing I've made something wholesome and healthful from humble ingredients, is immensely satisfying.

Making bone broth isn’t just about creating a delicious and nutritious food; it's about reclaiming control in a life that often feels chaotic. It’s about prioritizing self-care, even if it's just a few hours spent simmering a pot of goodness. It’s about finding joy in the simple things, like the rich, savory aroma filling my kitchen, and the knowledge that I'm nourishing my body and my soul, one delicious spoonful at a time.

From fighting off a simple cough to improving my overall energy levels, this nourishing elixir has become an integral part of my healthy lifestyle. More than a simple recipe, it's a mindful practice, a delicious journey towards better health and a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. So, if you’re looking for a way to add a nourishing, flavorful element to your busy life, I highly recommend giving bone broth a try. You might just be surprised at the rewards.

Ingredients I typically use: A mix of beef, chicken, or turkey bones (I save leftovers!), carrots, celery, onions, garlic (optional), herbs (bay leaves, parsley, thyme are my favorites), and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Experiment with different combinations to find your own perfect blend!

Step-by-step

• Fill the stock pot with the bones, feet, skin, fat…everything
• Add the chopped vegetables, herbs and sea salt
• Add your acv
• Add cold filtered water. For chickens, the correct proportion is 3-4 lbs of bones per 4 quarts of filtered water. For beef stock, the correct proportion is 7 lbs of bones per 4 quarts of water or more to cover.
• Let sit for 20 minutes. This helps make the nutrients more available.
• Turn the stock pot on high and bring to a vigorous boil, then let it simmer.
• Keep an eye on it, you want a very low simmer for the duration of the time. A slow roll or bubble is what you want to have
• Chicken or Turkey broth: 8-24 hours total, including time to reach a boil
• Beef broth- 12-48 hours total, including time to reach a boil
• Fish broth - 8 hours total, including time to reach a boil
• Skim off frothy residue floating on top as it simmers and throw out
• Once the broth has simmered its total time, strain the bone broth. You can also use a reusable coffee filter for a super fine strainer too
• Dump the entire contents into the strainer (be sure to wear oven mitts)
• Pick up colander and shake remaining broth
• Pull off any remaining meat, I can usually pick off ~1 cup of meat
• Repeat for second (and third batch). Or place the bones back into the plastic freezer bag and put into freezer until you are ready to make more.
• Place remaining bones back into crock pot add water if you are making more now. If bones fill up crock pot a quarter to half way add 2 more tsp acv and repeat this process. The second and third batch will not be as strong as the first, however, it still contains lots of high nutrient properties.
• Sometimes I make one batch, sometimes 2 or 3 just depends on time.
• Pour the well strained broth in to wide mouth freezable mason jars.