Grass-fed Beef Bone Broth (Vital Essence Elixir)

Makes: 5-6 quarts
Ingredients:
about 4 pounds grass-fed beef marrow bones and knuckle bones
1 calves foot, cut into pieces (optional)
3 pounds meaty rib or neck bones
1 or more gallons cold filtered water
1/2 cup organic apple cider vinegar
3 organic onions roughly chopped
3 organic carrots roughly chopped
3 organic celery stalks roughly chopped
3/4 to 1 ounce fresh organic thyme or 1 Tablespoon dried organic thyme
1 teaspoon ground peppercorns
1 strip Kombu (optional) found in the seaweed section
1 bunch organic parsley

Instructions:
1.  Place the marrow bones, knuckle and calves foot in a large stock pot with the vinegar and cover with the gallon of filtered water. Let stand for one hour.
2.  Meanwhile, place the rib bones in a roasting pan and brown at 350 degrees in the oven. When well browned, approximately one hour, add to the stockpot along with the onions, carrots and celery. Pour the fat out of the roasting pan, add cold water to the pan and bring to a boil stirring with a wooden spoon to loosen any sediment. Add this brown liquid to the stockpot.
3.  Add additional water, if necessary, to cover the bones; but the liquid should come no higher than within one inch of the rim of the stockpot. Bring to a boil. A large amount of scum will form on the top. It is important to remove this scum with a spoon. Then reduce heat and add the thyme, pepper and Kombu.
4.  Simmer stock for at least 12 but preferably for 72 hours for optimum results. Just before finishing, add the parsley and simmer for ten minutes more.
5.  Allow broth to cool enough for safe handling.
6.  Remove bones with tongs or a slotted spoon.  Strain the stock into a large bowl.
7.  Let cool in the refrigerator; remove the congealed fat that rises to the top and put the broth in glass containers for storage in the freezer.

Directions for Use:
Drink 8 ounces each day as a supplement or use it as the base for many other recipes.

Notes:
** Lucky’s Market on East Tamiami Trail usually carries the marrow bones.  Whole Foods sometimes carries them as well, but they sell out quickly.  You can also check with your butcher or local farms.

** There are a variety of online sources for the entire variety of bones that the recipe calls for.  The more diverse the bone selection in your broth, the more nutritious it becomes.  I have used White Oak Pastures, http://www.whiteoakpastures.com to purchase bones before.

** Leg bones cut in 3″ pieces work well for the marrow bones.

**The number of servings depends on the size of your stockpot and the amount of water you use. The minimum size stockpot for this recipe is 8 quarts however I strongly recommend using a 10-12 quart pot. Add water to one inch below the rim. You will have 5-6 quarts, or 20-24 cups, using an 8 quart pot.

Secrets to making good bone broth:
Use the highest quality bones you can find. Bones from grass fed animals are best.
Add vinegar to the water to draw the minerals out of the bones into the broth.
Roast & brown the bones in the oven before adding them to the stock.
Be in the moment when you are making it – and see the process as a therapy in and of itself.

Also, a word of wisdom… with the first batch I made, I was constantly coddling the broth, just making sure it was “okay” and this led to more stress than was needed. The second batch, I just let it be. In my opinion my second batch has been the best so far, mainly because I didn’t worry to much and let the food work for itself. Also, if your broth is gelatinous when cold, you did good. Gelatin acts in aiding digestion (it has been used to treat all sorts of intestinal issues: IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, hyperactivity…). So, no worries if your soup jiggles a little, it’s good for you!

If the idea of working with food to nourish your body appeals to you, consult your acupuncturist or TCM practitioner for assistance in customizing a recipes that meet your health care needs.  If you need a new provider, I will be happy to assist you on your path to wellness.  Call 239-260-4566 or schedule online at www.AcupunctureSolutionsOnline.com.