STOCKS

Yes, I know you can buy those bouillon cubes, meat extracts or powders in all the Supermarkets, but have you looked at what is in them? In most cases they are loaded with salt and, horror of horrors, MSG which is no good to man or beast.

So, make your own. If you make a decent amount you can freeze it for future use.

BROWN STOCK
Ingredients for 6 pints
(about 3litre)
1lb Marrow bones
2-3 lb shin of beef
11/2 oz butter
(better still is dripping)
1-2 leeks
1 large onion
1-2 Celery sticks
1/2lb Carrots (225gm)
2 Bouquets Garnis
Salt and Black Peppercorns.

METHOD
Blanch the bones for 10mins in boiling water, then put them with the chopped meat and butter into a roasting tin.

Brown the bones in the centre of the oven for 30-40mins at 424F (220C0) Turn occasionally to brown them evenly.

Then put the roasted bones in a large pan, add all the other sliced ingredients and cover with cold water plus a level teaspoon of salt.

Bring the contents SLOWLY to the boil, removing any scum, cover with a tight fitting lid and simmer for about 4hrs on the lowest heat setting you can manage. Top up with hot water if the level falls below the other ingredients.

Strain the stock through a fine sieve or muslin into a large bowl and allow it to settle. If you are going to use it straight away, you can take off the excess fat by drawing absorbent paper over the surface, otherwise allow it to go cold so the surface layer of fat comes off easily. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

If you intend storing it you should re-boil it rapidly to reduce it by half, and one good way to store it is to use an ice cube tray and freeze it down. They can be taken out and put in a bag or box in the freezer afterwards. Otherwise pour it into plastic bottles leaving at least 1in air space to allow for expansion.

Remember when you come to use it, add the same amount of water otherwise it will be too strongly flavoured.

WHERE TO BUY
Marrow bones at Prime Beef (Pattaya Klang, near Foodland) or ask in the supermarkets.

Shin of Beef in most supermarkets All the rest either in your local market or any supermarket.

Next time, two other stocks
Enjoy