Tuesday, April 5, 2011

How to Make Chicken or Turkey Broth!

I got really tired of spending so much money on broth when I made my Tex Mex Chicken Soup that I decided I HAD to figure out how to make my own broth.  When I discovered how easy it was, I couldn't believe I ever bought broth! 

Cook a chicken (or turkey) and enjoy it as a meal, or remove the meat for soup.  Save the bones, skin, any meat you don't want, and possibly the fat drippings (more later).  Place all these items in a large pot - the largest one you have.  Then, cover completely with water and boil.  Cover the pot to limit the evaporation.  Simmer, simmer, simmer, simmer.  Get it?  Keep it simmering about 3 hours, but longer is fine.  You could also add some salt to taste, but we often prefer to wait until we are making the soup to add the salt.

Note on the fat - I've made the broth with and without the fat drippings.  As expected, it doesn't taste AS good without the fat, but of course its fattier with it!  You may try adding half the fat for an equal balance, or leave it all out for healthier broth.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Freezer Meal: Chicken Fingers or Nuggets

chicken fingers after flash-frozen


This is a slight update to the previous Garlic Chicken recipe. We use this recipe as a healthy alternative to store bought chicken fingers or chicken nuggets.  Just cut the chicken how you or your family desires and bread it that way.    In my original recipe I recommended bread crumbs, but Panko is now readily available at grocery stores and is crunchier.  Try it!  Here's the recipe:

Garlic Chicken:

Ingredients:
2-4 tsp crushed garlic
1/4 Cup olive oil
1/4 Cup PANKO bread crumbs
1 packet Italian dressing mix (or similar seasonings)
1/4 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves trimmed of fat, cut into desired shapes


Warm the garlic and olive oil together. In a separate dish, combined bread crumbs, dressing mix, and Parmesan cheese. Dip the chicken breasts in the olive oil and garlic mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture. If freezing, place on a cookie sheet and flash freeze. Then transfer to freezer bags.

Another UPDATE is this is a cook from frozen product!!!  Just stick them in the oven at 375 for about 30-40 minutes until they start to sizzle.  OF COURSE check to make sure they are fully cooked before eating.