Monday, December 5, 2011

Day 2: breakin down a chicken

Today I am breakin it down whole chicken style. If you like to chop things up like me, then go get yourself a bird. There are so many reasons why you want to break your own chickens down.
First of all, it's like half the price. This really trips me out when I go into the store. Especially pre-cut fruits. Have we really become this lazy, to where we need someone to cut up our food into bite size pieces like our Mom used to do when we were kids.
Secondly, the best meat is on the back. There's not a whole lot, but enough for a killer sandwich.
Thirdly, you will have stock. Chicken stock is the key to flavoring everything! Every good dish starts with a good stock. Your house will smell awesome all day, and make you feel warm and cozy inside.
Finally, you will have chicken on hand. Freeze the pieces you don't use right away. (see pics below)

ingredients


buy chickens on sale


get the biggest one, because you want more meat per bone.


buy only one piece of celery.


rosemary is everywhere....


stay above the dog pee zone.


cut up a mirepoix



smell your chicken (it was on sale)....you'll know if it's bad!


get to know your bird.


start with the breasts


cut down to the bone....


...and through the bone (crunch)


perfect


now flip it over and crack the leg bone


cut the leg off with the thigh




now go back and cut the rest of the breasts off


finish with the wings


freeze what you want


heat some oil and the mirepoix....cook for a few minutes till translucent


add the carcass


and a gallon of water....and bring to a boil


as soon as it starts to boil, skim the fat off of the top


add rosemary...


bay leaves....


and thyme


simmer down now


pull the carcass


scrape the meat off


save the meat for a killer sandwich (another day)


after cooling it down in the fridge, I strain it....


and pour it into something with a spout (here I use this french press)


pour it back into the water jug....


and BOOM!....chicken stock!


drink it if you want....


well, maybe not

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