homemade beef stock

GAPS Intro Diet.  Day 9.  Stage 1, preparing for Stage 2.

When you're on the GAPS Diet, you have to prepare.  You can't just whip together a beef stew.  A rich, nutrient-dense and flavorful beef stock must be slow-cooked over low heat for a few hours.  Luckily, this recipe allows you to "sleep on it."

homemade beef stock
makes 4-5 quarts

2 large soup bones [with a bit of meat attached]
2-4 bones with marrow [cut so that marrow is exposed]
1 onion, peeled and quartered
2 carrots, cut into chunks
spring water

1. Combine all ingredients in a large crock pot or pot with lid.  Cover with water.
2. If using a crock pot, cook on low for six hours or until meat falls easily off the bone.
3. If using a pot on the stove top, bring water to a boil, then lower to a simmer and cook, covered, for 4-6 hours or until meat falls easily off the bone.
4. When done, strain and discard vegetables.  Remove meat from soup bones and set aside for another meal.  Scoop marrow out of bones and stir into broth.  Discard bones. 
5. Pour stock into glass mason jars and store in your fridge or freezer.  Stock will last in the fridge for 3-5 days.  If you store it in the freezer, make sure to leave an inch or two of space in the top of the jar.
6. Use in soups and stews or heat up a cup for a nourishing drink.