Monday, March 9, 2009

Broth

I have to admit that until I began my own food revolution a few months ago, whenever I saw "chicken broth" as an ingredient in a recipe, I dissolved 1 tsp. of chicken bouillon in 1 cup of warm water. There's surely something better.

So I've done a little research. I bought Certified Organic free-range chicken broth at the store. Still a long list of ingredients, though everything's of the organic variety. Better than bouillon, anyway. Then I found this website about making your own chicken broth. Very interesting. It sounds like a lot of work, but if my goal is better, perhaps it's worth it? I also read this article (linked at lessmeat.blogspot.com) which suggests forgetting the chicken all together - an idea that's in line with "eat meat sparingly." For those of us trying to cut back on meat, what do you think about broth? Does vegetable broth replace chicken broth in recipes? Is homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth worth the effort?

What do YOU think?

7 comments:

  1. What effort? Chicken broth is so easy, check out my post at foodplainandsimple.blogspot.com (sorry, I have been reading up and I really like your blog but I am not a member of your ward). And, yes, it is so worth the effort. Yummy!

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  2. I'm sure actual broth is better, but I found a middle ground that is not quite as expensive as broth and better than bullion...it's actually called better than bullion. You can find it in the grocery store--it's more of a paste and once you open it, it must be stored in the fridge. I got the organic veggie kind and so far it's great.

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  3. I think if you are serious about cutting out meat then you can easily adjust to the veggie broth flavor.
    I haven't done it yet. I buy the Pacific organic chicken broth from Costco....but someday soon I will make the switch.

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  4. If I make a roast chicken for dinner on Sunday, I simmer the carcass afterward to make broth. Then during the week I'll use the leftover meat in a dish or two and make soup from the broth and have some meatless meals. That makes it so I use only one chicken to feed my family of six for a week and I feel like I'm using meat sparingly.

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  5. I am also not a member of your ward, but found you somehow. I have also been inspired by Nie to eat less meat. We have been meat free since the beginning of the year. We do indulge in fish however. We may eventually do away with that, but baby steps for now.
    In regards to the broth question, I have a few things to say.
    I totally agree that eating less meat is healthier for you. I see the wisdom in the counsel that was given to Joseph Smith. That being said, I also believe that animals were put on this earth for our use and consumption. However, I do not feel the Lord wishes us to consume them at the rate we do today. I believe that is why He advised to eat it sparingly. While I believe the Word of Wisdom is a health code, I also think it brings to light the importance of life - any life - to our Heavenly Father and that as stewards of this earth and the creatures on it, we need to be sure we do not take any animal life lightly and treat it with the respect it deserves. We need to make sure that we use them for a purpose to fulfill a specific need. Please do not think I am against eating meat all together. I'm not. I just think we need to be very wise when we do eat it.
    So in regards to the broth question, I have switched to vegetable broth. I quess I view it from the stand point that a chicken had to die to produce the broth, and if there is an adequate substitute, then I will use it.
    Thanks for this blog. It's a great thing.

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  6. Meg, I really appreciate your thoughts on the WofW. You helped me answer a question I've had floating around for awhile.

    I'm not a memeber of Tiffany (Likely) and Nichole's ward either. I'm just along for the ride. I love getting discussions going and would love even more for anyone else to write a Good, Better, Best post. Just email me rebgred@gmail.com with either your idea or question or a written post and you will be the "guest contributor" the following Monday.

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  7. Meg, thank you for your comment. If only Nie knew all the ways she has influences people! What a huge impact she has made. You are right about baby steps. We started with no red meat and pork. We eat chicken now and again, but mostly when we go to others homes (my in-laws) or are out of the home. I cook meat at home now once every other week. We do eat fish as well. All in all, we probably eat meat 2-3 times a week. It is a big difference coming from a daily dosing though!

    I agree with all of what you said about Heavenly Father and his dietary plans for us. I think for spiritual reasons and health benefits he gave the guidance in the word of wisdom (did you read the questions below??)

    Sure wish all of you were in our ward. We had a great meeting this week and would have loved to have you there!

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