Tag: food preservation

  • How to Make Chicken Bone Broth in a Roaster Oven

    There’s nothing quite as satisfying as making your own chicken bone broth—especially when it’s slow-cooked to perfection in a roaster oven. This method allows you to extract all the goodness from bones and veggie scraps while keeping your stovetop free for other projects. Bone broth is not only comforting and flavorful but also packed with nutrients that support gut health, joint health, and immunity. Plus, it’s an excellent way to reduce food waste!

    Here’s how to turn your chicken bones and vegetable scraps into a nourishing broth.

    What You’ll Need

    Chicken Bones: Use the carcass from a whole roasted chicken or the bones from raw chicken. If you’re making this from scratch, roast a whole chicken and save the bones for the broth.

    Vegetable Scraps: Onion peels, celery tops, carrot ends, garlic skins, and herbs (like parsley or thyme) are all fair game. Keep a freezer bag for scraps and add to it over time.

    Optional Extras: A splash of apple cider vinegar (helps draw minerals from the bones), salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves for flavor.

    Water: Enough to cover everything in the roaster.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

    1. Gather your bones: If using a whole chicken, remove most of the meat (save it for another dish), but don’t worry about being meticulous. A little leftover meat or skin will add flavor.

    2. Sort your vegetable scraps: Avoid overly strong flavors like broccoli or cabbage, which can make the broth bitter. Stick with mild, aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.

    Step 2: Assemble in the Roaster Oven

    1. Place the chicken bones and vegetable scraps into the roaster.

    2. Add any optional seasonings like bay leaves, peppercorns, or a few sprigs of fresh herbs.

    3. Pour in a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar. This helps extract minerals from the bones as they cook.

    4. Cover everything with cold water, leaving a few inches of space at the top.

    Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

    1. Set your roaster oven to 400F until you notice bubbling, then lower the temp to 250-350F.

    2. Cover the roaster with its lid and let the broth cook for 24-30 hours. Longer cook times result in a richer, more nutrient-dense broth.

    3. Check occasionally to ensure the water level hasn’t dropped too low. Add hot water if needed to keep the bones and veggies submerged.

    Step 4: Strain and Store

    1. Once the broth has reached your desired richness (it should be golden and fragrant), turn off the roaster and let it cool slightly.

    2. Use a slotted spoon to remove large bones and vegetables. Then pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or pot to remove any remaining solids.

    3. Let the broth cool completely. Skim off any fat that solidifies on the top if desired.

    Storage Tips

    Refrigerator: Store broth in mason jars or airtight containers for up to a week.

    Freezer: Pour cooled broth into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, or freeze in ice cube trays for smaller portions. Frozen broth will keep for 6-12 months.

    Ways to Use Your Bone Broth

    • Sip it warm from a mug for a comforting drink.

    • Use it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces.

    • Cook grains like rice or quinoa in broth for added flavor and nutrition.

    Pro Tips

    • For an extra gelatinous broth, include chicken feet or wings, as they’re rich in collagen.

    • Roast raw bones and vegetables in the oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes before adding them to the roaster for a deeper flavor.

    Making chicken bone broth in a roaster oven is an easy, hands-off way to create a nutrient-packed staple for your kitchen. It’s a great way to use what you already have while filling your home with the cozy, savory aroma of slow-simmered broth. Once you make it this way, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought!

  • Water Glassing Eggs: A Timeless Preservation Method

    In the realm of food preservation techniques, egg water glassing stands out as a timeless method that combines simplicity with effectiveness. Dating back centuries, this method involves storing fresh eggs in a solution of pickling lime, creating a protective coating that extends their shelf life for months. In this guide, we’ll explore the process of water glassing eggs, along with its benefits and essential care tips.

    Gather Your Supplies

    • Fresh, unwashed eggs
    • Pickling Lime ( we use Mrs Wages Pickling Lime)
    • A clean, non-reactive container with a tight-fitting lid (glass or food-grade plastic). We use half gallon Mason Jars.
    • Water (We have well water, but you can also use filtered water).

    Inspect the Eggs:

    • Double check eggs for any cracks or damage.
    • Do not use any that have excessive droppings that cannot be easily wiped off.
    • Avoid washing the eggs, as this removes the protective bloom on the shell. Instead, gently wipe them with a dry cloth if needed.

    Prepare the Solution:

    Seal and Store:

    • Secure the lid tightly on the container to prevent evaporation and contamination.
    • Store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a cellar or refrigerator for one year or up to 18 months!
    • For each 1/2 gallon jar, fill with 1 quart of lime water. Use the ratio of 1 quart of filtered water to 1 ounce of pickling lime by weight. Mix well.

    Benefits of Water Glassing Eggs:

    1. Prolonged Shelf Life: Water glassing creates a protective barrier around the eggs, preventing air and bacteria from penetrating the shell. This extends their freshness and viability for several months, making it an ideal method for preserving surplus eggs.
    2. Cost-Effective Preservation: Water glassing is a budget-friendly alternative to other preservation methods, requiring minimal investment in supplies and equipment. With proper storage, water-glassed eggs can last for months without the need for refrigeration.
    3. Nutrient Retention: Unlike some preservation techniques that can compromise the nutritional content of food, water glassing preserves the integrity of the eggs’ nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.
    4. Versatility: Water glassing is not limited to chicken eggs; it can also be used to preserve eggs from ducks, geese, and other poultry. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for homesteaders and backyard poultry enthusiasts.

    Care and Handling Tips:

    • Label the container with the date of preservation to track freshness.
    • Before consuming water-glassed eggs, perform the float test to ensure they are still fresh. Discard any eggs that float, as this may indicate spoilage.

    Water glassing eggs offers a simple yet effective way to extend the shelf life of fresh eggs, allowing you to enjoy their nutritional benefits for months to come. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating proper care and handling practices, you can harness the power of water glassing to preserve your bounty of eggs with confidence and ease.