I make chicken stock at least once a week, often two. To be healthier, I try not to eat the skin on the chicken, but I don't discard it. I toss it back in the container so I can add it to the stock when I make it later in the week. I never buy stock any more. I have a freezer full and I freeze it in different size containers for different recipes.
This week, my daughter had pneumonia and I whipped up a quick stock so I could make chicken and rice soup, which she loves. I have a couple of stock recipes I'll share, but this is just the basic one. I always try to leave a little bit of meat on the bird for the stock. I never eat the wings and leave a tiny bit of thigh meat, too.
Basic Chicken Stock
1 leftover rotisserie chicken carcass
2 stalks of celery
2 carrots
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
Pinch of salt
1 bay leaf
2 peppercorns
6-8 cups of water (you may add more as it boils)
Place chicken, celery, carrots and onion in a stock pot and add 6 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. When mixture is boiling, add bay leaf and peppercorns. Reduce heat but keep it going at a boiling simmer for 1 hour or more (I usually let it go for 2-3 hours).
You may need to add a little water as it boils down. When it's done, strain and either make a soup or save the stock in containers,. Allow to cool before you freeze them.
I like to pre-measure the stock for recipes and note if I have 1 cup, 2 cups. I use stock in everything: rice, quinoa, couscous and more
NOTE: You will see all kinds of tips out there for skimming stock, never letting it boil, etc. True, my stock is not pristine and clear, but I don't care. It's super flavorful and I am feeding a family, not a 4 star restaurant. And, my stock is a great way to use the leftover carcass.
Now, occasionally, I will need a quick stock. The key to quick stock is make sure you brake apart the bones and chicken add all the skin and fat and use less water (like 2 cups less). This will make a stronger stock in a shorter period. Boil it vigorously for an hour.
Come along with me as I create 117 recipes using rotisserie chicken. Why on earth would I do this? Well, I'm a foodie but ever since my daughter was born, I've eaten more grocery store rotisserie chicken than I ever dreamed I could, making me the "Rotisserie Chicken Queen." I want to share my recipes with other busy moms who don't have as much time to cook but still appreciate good food. It's modern convenience food. I have some killer recipes. If you like one, please share it. Enjoy!
Showing posts with label Basic Chicken Stock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Basic Chicken Stock. Show all posts
Saturday, April 26, 2014
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