Oh my, its been a super long time since my last post! Summer was such a whirlwind and I was enjoying every second with my little’s before school started again in the blink of an eye. So, pretty much all my projects were on the back burner, but… they are back in school now and I’m looking at some time for myself again! My list is pretty extensive, repainting cabinets, home organization, etc., but always at the top of my list is finding ways to keep my family healthy and well nourished. Which brings me to the topic of the day, BONE BROTH! Never in a million years when I was younger did I picture myself buying bones and cooking with them let alone drinking broth on its own. But… I’ve come along way, ha! So… bone broth is legit. It’s like liquid gold, well the OTHER liquid gold (hello breast milk!). Bone broth is a mineral rich concoction made from boiling bones from healthy animals with other vegetables, herbs and spices. It is known to boost the immune system, support digestive health and is even anti-aging and good for nails and hair do to all of the collagen from the bones. Speaking of collagen, this will also contribute to joint health so this is a great benefit for anyone with back or knee problems, arthritis etc. It is naturally high in phosphorous, magnesium and calcium benefiting bones and teeth! The list of benefits is pretty extensive but I’ll stop there…now onto my recipe! I do mine in a slow cooker but a dutch oven also works great. You can purchase bones at a farmers market or usually a health food store, or find a local farmer. I roast my bones first because it improves the flavor and don’t forget the apple cider vinegar or it won’t gel!

Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth:

• Two lbs beef bones from a good source
• one onion
• 3 carrots
• 3 celery stalks
• garlic bulb
• 2 T apple cider vinegar
• bay leaf
• any herbs or spices you want to add (peppercorns, salt, parsley, rosemary)
• water

With oven at 400, place bones on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes on one side, flip than 30 minutes on the other side. Remove bones and place at the bottom of your slow cooker. Coarsely chop your vegetables and garlic, keeping skin on all of it and spread around the bones. Add in your apple cider vinegar than add enough water to cover everything. I cook for 24 hours but anywhere from 18-36 hours is good. You want your broth to gel after it cools but it will not do so if you do not use quality bones or apple cider vinegar, but if it doesn’t gel don’t toss it! It will still be packed full of nutrition :). I drink my bone broth like a tea or cook with it. My favorite two recipes are italian beef and chicken broccoli casserole, but those will be shared another day ;). Also! save your fat from the bones! I use it to make lotion… also a recipe for another day!