No-Excuses Chicken Stock

Here are four reasons why you should make homemade chicken stock:

Number 1: It gives you an excuse to roast a chicken. (As if you needed an excuse)

Number 2: It will make your home smell delicious. Like, crazy, out-of-this-world, how-did-s/he-do-that delicious.

Number 3: Chicken stock from a box/can is kind of scary, when you think about it. Whatever science goes into making a byproduct of meat a non-perishable is something I want nothing to do with. That’s just gross.

Number 4: It is extremely useful in soups, pastas, sides, mains.  You name it; chicken stock will make it better.

In other words, you have no good reason not to make this stuff (unless you’re a vegetarian, in which case you get a pass). It’s a great way to make total use of a roasted chicken. Plus, it’s very easy to save for future use. Just pour the stock into Ziploc bags and freeze! Voila – chicken stock at the ready whenever you need it. Oh man, I’m turning into my grandma. I think I’m okay with it, though.

Ingredients (makes approx. 4 cups stock)

• 1 chicken carcass

• 3 large carrots

• 1 large yellow onion

• 4 celery stalks

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 bay leaves, dried or fresh

• 2 teaspoons celery seed

• 2 teaspoons coarse ground pepper

1. Bring 3 quarts of water and some sea salt to a boil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. 2. While water is heating, slice onions into thick rings and break carrots and celery into pieces. 3. Place all ingredients in boiling water and reduce to a simmer. 4. Continue simmering, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 2 hours. Taste for saltiness, and add more if necessary. Stock should reduce by about 1/3. 5. Using a fine mesh strainer and ladle, transfer stock to a large container. You may need to do this more than once, depending on how fine your mesh is. 6. Refrigerate or divide into Ziploc bags and freeze.