Anyway.
Whenever I started watching her show, she would make a point to say that using homemade chicken stock was ideal. I hated that. And I mean I really...hated that. I thought that making your own stock was time consuming and expensive-- more expensive than it was worth. I was wrong. I'm sorry, Ina.
This was my first attempt at homemade stock, and since I had two leftover chickens from my Halloween party, I ended up being able to make two batches.
It really is completely different (and better) than store bought stock. It's richer, more flavorful and definitely adds more to recipes (like risotto, for example) than canned broth or stock.
I added cut up celery (leaves included) and carrots, 3 cloves of garlic and threw in a bay leaf or two with my leftover chicken.
Put in enough water to cover it, and let it simmer for about 8 hours. Maybe more.
It's not something you need to worry about.
While it simmered, I did some chores. Cecilia helped.
I'm pretty sure she thought changing the sheets was some sort of game.
But she's so cute, I can't get mad.
The finished product.
The really finished product, (the solids strained and discarded) divided into containers.
Notice the separation? Leave it in the refrigerator overnight, so that all of the fat separates, and then skim it off.
Freeze what you won't use immediately.
It's amazing what you can do if you just listen to Ina Garten.
