Chicken Broth

The Healing Power of Homemade Chicken Broth: A Working Mom's Secret Weapon

As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, childcare, and household chores often leaves me with little energy for elaborate cooking. Yet, I’ve discovered a simple, yet incredibly nourishing and flavorful secret: homemade chicken broth. It’s become a cornerstone of our family’s meals, providing a boost of nutrition and flavor to everything from soups and stews to sauces and even just plain vegetables.

Years ago, when my son Willow was struggling with severe lactose intolerance, I embarked on a mission to find a nutritious and easily digestible food for him. That's when I discovered the magic of chicken broth. Not only did it help Willow thrive, but it also transformed my own cooking. Making large batches of broth on the weekends has become a weekly ritual – a small act of self-care that pays huge dividends throughout the week. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest things are the most rewarding.

The process itself is surprisingly straightforward. I usually start with a combination of chicken feet, carcasses, and sometimes necks – the more bones, the richer the broth. The beauty of it is its adaptability; you can essentially throw in whatever you have on hand. Leftover roasted chicken carcass? Perfect! A bag of chicken feet from the market? Even better! The key is using quality ingredients, preferably organic, to avoid any unnecessary chemicals or additives. This is where my commitment to healthy eating really comes into play; providing my family with food that nourishes their bodies and souls.

After adding the bones to my slow cooker, I cover them with filtered water, adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals from the bones, and a generous pinch of Himalayan pink salt. It simmers for hours, filling my kitchen with a comforting aroma. An hour or so before it’s done, I'll toss in whatever vegetables I have on hand – carrots, celery, onions, or even leftover scraps of other veggies. The vegetables add a depth of flavor to the broth, and I often blend the cooked veggies to make savory patties for Willow. Nothing goes to waste in my kitchen – even the cooking is an opportunity for creativity and resourcefulness!

Once the broth is finished, I carefully strain it, removing any remaining solids. Then, I store the broth in various-sized Mason jars and silicon pods, perfect for freezing portions. This allows me to grab a small amount for a quick recipe addition or to create a batch of the broth in advance for future use. The broth can be stored in the fridge for up to five days and frozen for up to six months, providing a nutritional safety net for busy weeknights.

The versatility of homemade chicken broth is unparalleled. It is truly a cornerstone of my culinary repertoire. I use it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or simply add a spoonful to enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables or grains. It adds an extra layer of richness and complexity without being overpowering. The healing properties, the ease of making the broth, and the simplicity of its use has transformed the way I prepare food for myself and my family. It's more than just a recipe; it's a testament to slow cooking, simplicity and the love and care that goes into feeding my family.

What makes this broth special isn't just the ingredients, it’s the intention behind it. It’s a symbol of nurturing and care, a way to nourish both body and soul. It’s a simple act of love that brings my family together. It’s a time-saving secret, a flavor enhancer, and a reminder that even amidst the chaos of a busy life, there's always time for a little bit of nourishment.

More than just a cooking method, creating chicken broth has become a meditative process. The slow simmering, the fragrant steam, it's a moment of calm amidst the everyday whirlwind. And the end result is a treasure trove of flavor and goodness, a pantry staple that elevates even the simplest meals.

So, I encourage you to try making your own chicken broth. Experiment with different combinations of bones and vegetables, find what works best for you and your family. It is a worthwhile endeavor, and the rewards are immeasurable, enriching your meals with a wealth of nutrients, flavors, and convenience. And most importantly, it’s a delicious way to show your loved ones that you care.

Step-by-step

• Take a deep breath.
• In a large slow cooker, use two bags of chicken feet and one carcass (or experiment with other combinations like feet and necks).
• Cover the bones in filtered purified water, add a splash of apple cider vinegar (optional but recommended), and a good amount of Himalayan Crystal Salt.
• Simmer on the stove for 8-12 hours (or a minimum of 4 hours).
• An hour before it's ready, add any vegetables you have on hand for extra flavor (add veggies towards the end to prevent them from absorbing too much gelatin).
• Source healthy organic bones for better quality.
• Optionally, fry the bones in ghee or coconut oil for added flavor before simmering.
• Strain the broth and store it.
• Use the strained vegetables to make patties (optional).
• Store broth in Mason jars or silicon pods, leaving an inch of space at the top.
• Date the broth and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days (reboil before using if stored longer). It will last six months in the freezer.