Homemade Chicken Stock

Ok ladies... I know the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the word homemade... NO WAY!!!

But don't worry it is so much easier than you think...

• When you are cleaning carrots, celery and onions for other dinners don't throw away the tops. I take the tops plus the skin of the carrots and store them in ziploc bags in the freezer. Keep them separate so it it easy to put in the pot.

• Many of us buy the rotisserie chickens from the store and simply throw away the bones and juices. STOP!! This is the best way to make easy chicken stock. So whenever you have a store bought chicken keep it. If you aren't ready to make stock them put it in a freezer bag and keep it.

Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe

1. Place rotisserie chicken in large pot
2. Place scraps from 1 bunch of celery, 1 lb of carrots and 2 onions plus one medium onion (quartered) into the pot.
3. Place 2 bay leaves and a tbsp of dried thyme in the pot.
4. Cover the chicken with water.
5. Bring to a boil and put on low for 2-3 hours.
6. Strain over a large bowl and divide as you wish.

I like to divide my stock into 3-4 cup freezer safe tupperwares. I made some stock today and have 12 cups of stock... not bad for not having to chop anything! Another trick (if you have the time) you can put your stock into ice cube trays so that you can use your stock a little here and there. I love to do this but haven't had the time lately.

Just make sure to mark that date on your stock and you can store it in your freezer for 6 months. I love to make homemade chicken soup (again... don't worry about the first word). You can add extra flavor to rice but swtiching out the water...

There are tons of uses for chicken stock and I love giving my family something that I made rather than store bought because I can control the ingredients... so I know that I am giving them the best I can...

ENJOY!