Homemade Bone Broth from Game Animals and Beyond

Bone broth, a timeless and nutritious elixir, has made a remarkable comeback in recent years. This wholesome concoction, long celebrated for its remarkable health benefits, is an exceptional addition to your diet. Not only is it a fantastic way to utilize game animal bones like elk, deer, and bear, but it can also be crafted from a variety of other animal bones such as chicken, turkey, and more. The magic lies in the cooking process! Bone broth is a nutrient-dense and collagen rich liquid and contains essential amino acids like glycine and glutamine. Let's embark on a journey to create your very own bone broth with a focus on game animals, though you can easily adapt the method for other types of bones. Here's how to get started:

Ingredients:

• Game animal bones (elk, deer, bear, etc.) or any other animal bones of your choice

• Water

• Optional ingredients (garlic, ginger, onions, or other seasonings for flavor)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Bones:

Start by collecting game animal bones or any other bones you'd like to use. Clean off dirt & debris and blood. Meat pieces, ligaments and tendons offer nutrients to the stock. 

2. Start the Cooking:

• Fill a large pot with water and add your bones. The ratio of bones to water can vary, but as a rule of thumb, use enough water to fully submerge the bones and fill the pot.

• Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer/slightly boiling. It's important to maintain a slight boil throughout the cooking process.

3. Slow Cook for 24 Hours:

• Allow the bones to simmer/slight boil for a full 24 hours. During this time, check the pot occasionally to ensure it continues to simmer/slight boil, and top up with a little water if necessary, especially around the 10-13 hour mark.

4. Check Bone Condition:

• After 24 hours, check a couple of bones to ensure they've become fairly hollow. 

5. Strain and Store:

• Carefully remove the bones from the pot and strain the bone broth into a separate container. Depending on the quantity, you may need multiple pots.

• Make sure the broth is still very warm as it may solidify and become waxy when it cools. Use a jug or similar pouring mechanism to transfer the broth into mason glass jars.

6. Cool and Seal:

• Allow the broth to cool to room temperature, then tighten the lids on the mason jars.

7. Freezer Storage:

• Store the sealed jars in the freezer, where the bone broth can be preserved for up to six months.

8. Customize and Enjoy:

• When you're ready to use the bone broth, feel free to add fresh garlic, ginger, onions, or any other seasonings you desire for extra flavor.

• This versatile elixir can be used as a base for soups, sauces, or enjoyed on its own as a nutritious beverage.
  

Tips:

• The process can get messy, so protect your kitchen counter with rags, towels, or cloth for easy cleanup.

• Experiment with different bones and seasonings to create a variety of unique flavors and nutrient profiles.
  

Homemade bone broth, whether crafted from game animal bones or other sources, is a fantastic addition to your kitchen. With its array of health benefits, versatility, and rich, comforting flavor, it's a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered. So, roll up your sleeves and embark on your bone broth-making adventure. Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it!