Secret Behind Great Tasting Bone Broth - Advice from Rebecca Filbrun

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March 11, 2021

I am blessed to have a mom who loves to cook wonderful meals. My mom, Rebecca Filbrun, is pictured here in her kitchen at The Maker’s Meadow Farm Day sharing some great cooking tips.

Today I want to share the special technique she uses that adds an extra boost of flavor to her bone broth!

Along with the Chicken Backs and Necks or Beef Bones you can use in this recipe, we also have a great salt blend for you to order that is perfect for bone broth!

Rebecca Filbrun’s Chicken Backs & Necks’ Bone Broth Recipe

*can be substituted with beef or lamb bones

PreHeat Oven to 350°

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 Hours (1 Hour in Oven + 1 Hour Simmering on Stove)

During the week when I prepare meals, I collect vegetable food scraps and freeze. These “scraps” include any end pieces you may cut off of celery and carrots, celery leaves, carrot peels, and papery onion peels. If you do not have any frozen scraps to use, you may use fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Chicken Backs & Necks

Rosebud’s Sassy Salt Blend or Sea Salt

Frozen Veggie Scraps (whatever you collect over time)

Fresh Veggies:

2 Carrots, Diced

1 to 2 Onions with Peels, Diced (Avoid using Sweet Onions)

2 Celery Stalks, Diced

2 Cups Water for Roasting

Fresh Ginger (1 inch) for simmering

Mushrooms (1 Container) for simmering

Ground Pepper for simmering

Directions

This is my “secret” technique! Roasting really helps add that rich, umami flavor to the broth by browning the meat and bones first!

Step One: Roast Bones and Veggies in Oven for 1 Hour

Put Chicken Backs & Necks in a Baking Dish.

Add Water to Pan.

Cover chicken backs and necks with layer of saved frozen vegetable scraps or fresh vegetables.

Sprinkle chicken liberally with salt (to your liking).

Do Not Cover

Bake at 350° for one hour or until brown.

Allow to cool.

Step Two: Simmer on Stove for 1 Hour

Separate chicken’s connective tissues and skin from the bones, keep meat on the bones.

Place all in large pan on the stove and fill water to the top.

Add 1 tsp salt per quart of water.

I like to add fresh ginger, freshly crushed dried rosemary, onions, mushrooms and a little pepper.

You can add any vegetables or herbs you like including garlic.

Avoid using sweet onions, sweet potatoes or too many carrots as that makes the broth taste too sweet.

Bring to a Boil, then simmer (no lid) for at least 1 hour.

Enjoy as a beverage or use in soups or recipes that call for broth.

You can cook bones for 6 to 8 hours or longer, but if you have any histamine issues, keep to one hour.

You can freeze broth in wide mouth mason jars filling them 3/4 full, or ziploc bags or store in a glass container in the refrigerator for a week.

After simmering for an hour, you can:

After cooling, separate the meat from bones to use for soup or other recipes.
Use the broth to make a grain-free gravy.

I use my immersion blender to blend the skin, connective tissue, cooked onion and mushrooms with enough broth to make the right thickness of gravy that I want.

bone broth

The Maker's Meadow

salt seasoning

Chicken Backs

Bone Broth Recipe

Why the Bills family supports our farm

Andrew and Allison Bills were gracious enough to host members of our team in their beautiful home and tell us why they like and support The Maker's Meadow.

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

When it comes to selecting the healthiest and most sustainable sources of poultry, pasture-raised turkeys offer numerous advantages over their industrially farmed counterparts. Not only do pasture-raised turkeys enjoy a better quality of life, but they also provide a wealth of health benefits for consumers. Let's explore how our turkeys at The Maker's Meadow differ from industrially raised birds and why they are worth considering for your next meal. Higher Nutrient Density One of the standout differences between pasture-raised and industrially farmed turkeys is the nutrient profile. Pasture-raised turkeys, allowed to roam freely and forage for natural foods like grasses, seeds, and insects, tend to have a more diverse diet. This varied diet translates to a healthier, more nutrient-dense meat. More Omega-3 & Less Omega-6: Studies have shown that pasture-raised turkeys contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to turkeys raised in confined, grain-fed environments. Omega-3s are essential for heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function. Industrially raised turkeys often consume a diet rich in corn and soy, which can lead to an imbalance of omega-6 fatty acids. This imbalance is linked to higher inflammation in the body and can contribute to various health problems such as heart disease and arthritis. Pasture-raised turkeys, by contrast, have a healthier omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Higher Levels of Antioxidants and Vitamins: Free-ranging turkeys consume a more natural diet that results in higher levels of important antioxidants like vitamin E, which supports immune function and skin health, and beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A and supports vision and cellular growth. Lower in Harmful Additives Industrial turkey farming practices often include the use of antibiotics and growth promoters to boost production and prevent disease in overcrowded conditions. 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Protein is essential for building muscle, maintaining metabolic health, and supporting various bodily functions. Healthier Fat Composition: The fat that pasture-raised turkeys do contain is generally healthier due to their active, natural lifestyle. Their fat is often richer in beneficial omega-3s and contains lower levels of unhealthy saturated fats, making pasture-raised turkey a better option for heart health. More Humane and Sustainable Practices Though the health benefits of pasture-raised turkeys are significant, it's also important to consider the ethical and environmental impacts. Pasture-raised turkeys typically live in environments where they have room to roam, access to fresh air, and a natural diet. This is a stark contrast to industrial farming, where turkeys are often confined to small spaces and raised in less humane conditions. No Factory Farming Practices: By supporting pasture-raised turkey farms, consumers can avoid supporting the industrial farming practices that contribute to environmental degradation, such as the overuse of pesticides, excessive water use, and pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations. Better Animal Welfare: Turkeys that are raised in pastures experience lower levels of stress and have healthier immune systems due to their more natural and humane living conditions. This often translates into healthier, less disease-prone birds that don’t require intensive antibiotic use. Enhanced Flavor & Freshness Beyond health and ethical considerations, pasture-raised turkeys also offer superior flavor. Because of their varied diet and natural lifestyle, the meat from pasture-raised turkeys is often described as richer, more complex, and with a better texture than that of industrially raised turkeys. This makes them a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Pasture-raised turkeys are also typically fresher for consumers because they are often sourced from local or small-scale farms like ours, which prioritize quality over mass production. These turkeys are usually processed in smaller batches, ensuring they are delivered more quickly and with less time spent in storage or transport. The shorter supply chain means the bird's natural flavors and textures are fully preserved. This freshness translates into better taste and higher nutritional value, giving consumers a superior product compared to turkeys that undergo long shipping times and extended storage in industrial settings. Choosing Better for Your Health and the Planet While pasture-raised turkeys may come at a slightly higher price than industrially farmed options, the health benefits they provide—from better nutrient content to the absence of harmful additives—are well worth the investment. By choosing pasture-raised turkeys, you're not only supporting your own health but also promoting more sustainable farming practices that are better for the environment and animal welfare. The long-term benefits of going pasture-raised and buying from us here at The Maker's Meadow far outweigh the cost differential of your average store-bought turkey. So if you still need a Thanksgiving Turkey, click here to order one!

Environmental Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

What exactly makes pasture-raised turkeys more environmentally friendly?

Secret Behind Great Tasting Bone Broth - Advice from Rebecca Filbrun

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