Basic Chicken Stock

 

4 pounds chicken necks backs wings and carcasses

1 large onion quartered

4 carrots peeled and cut in half

4 ribs of celery cut in half

1 leek white part only cut in half lengthwise

10 sprigs of fresh thyme

10 sprigs of fresh parsley

2 bay leaves

10 pepper corns

2 cloves garlic peeled

2 gallons cold water

 

Procedure:

 

Place chicken, vegetables, and herbs and spices in 12 quart stockpot.  Set opened steamer basket directly on ingredients in pot and pour over cold water.  Cook over high heat until bubbles break through surface of liquid.  Turn heat to medium low so that stock maintains gentle low simmer.  Skim scum with fine mesh skimmer every 15 minutes for first hour and then every hour after.  Add hot water as needed to keep ingredients covered.  Simmer 6 to 8 hours.  Strain stock through mesh strainer and discard the solids.