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I’ve written before about bone broth. It is easy to make and super nutritious. But sometimes flexibility can lead to paralysis. If the options are endless, how does one choose?

So when NetGalley offered to let me review Bone Broth Secret: A Culinary Adventure in Health, Beauty, and Longevity, I jumped at the chance. I was a little worried that it would be a bit militant as it’s in the “real food” genre. To my pleasant surprise, it wasn’t at all! Rather than a scolding tone, the authors were very informative and included lots of positive affirmations.

In Part 1: The Art and Science of Bone Broth, the authors explain the history of bone broth and what makes it so good for you. It was excellent background information that I wish I’d had back when I first learned about bone broth. It definitely laid the foundation for feeling more confident about freestyling it.

There’s no need to “freestyle” though, because Part 2 includes lots of great recipes! Having read the basics, though, I was able to piece together various recipes. I was inspired to go to my local organic food store and buy some beef soup bones, chicken soup bones, oxtails and chicken feet. I decided that my body could really benefit from regular bone broth, especially since it takes a pounding with the marathon training.

I was drawn to the “Balanced and Bright” beef broth recipe because it didn’t use vegetables, and I wanted something that was relatively neutral flavored that I could later add more flavor to. Plus I loved the idea of using ginger and star anise. My package of “beef bones” was 3 pounds so I roasted them, threw them in the slow cooker with the ginger and star anise, and let it simmer for about 30 hours.

Balanced & Bright Beef Broth

Created by on February 2, 2016

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs beef bones
  • 1 (2-3\") fresh ginger
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425
  2. Place bones on a greased baking sheet and put in oven, bake until dark brown in color, about 35-40 minutes.
  3. Slice ginger into thin strips and place in slow cooker. Add star anise.
  4. When bones are finished cooking, let cool for 10-15 minutes. Add to slow cooker and add just enough water to cover.
  5. Add apple cider vinegar and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Add more water until the slow cooker is full. Set to low heat and cook for 36-48 hours.
  7. After 6-8 hours remove the meat if desired
  8. Add water as needed to cover the bones.
  9. Add cardamom during the last hour of cooking. Turn off heat and allow the slow cooker to cool for 1 hour.
  10. Remove the bones; carefully strain the broth into your storage containers. Allow to cool in the refrigerator overnight. The fat will add as a protective layer. Pop out with a knife when ready to use. Save the fat to render later.
Source: Bone Broth Secret: A Culinary Adventure in Health, Beauty, and Longevity

The Verdict: The flavor was delightful! With a little salt I enjoy drinking it from a mug. I realized after opening the package that there was way more meat than bone, so I did not end up with a lot of fat cap or gel. I did however get a nice batch of cooked beef that I will be making into another meal.

I never thought I’d drink bone broth, but this was really tasty! #fmsphotoaday #bonebroth #realfood #beef

A photo posted by Wendy Hammond (@wholisticwoman) on

I can’t wait to try more recipes from the book! And, I look forward to seeing if I notice any health benefits from drinking it daily.

This post shared at Literacy Musing Mondays and Works for Me Wednesday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Runaway Bridal Planner

    I never would have thought about drinking bone broth either, but actually it sounds like it could be a yummy lunch type soup:)
    I’ve made broth before, for other things. I like to add it to gravy’s, I am a huge biscuit and gravy girl!
    This looks like a great book, don’t you just love when you find a great cookbook with fun things to try!!!

    Reply

  3. Marcia

    I made bone broth once. It turned out great. This book sounds like it’s filled with great ideas. I never thought to drink bone broth “straight up” but sure, why not?

    Reply

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