I confess.

Bone Broth makes me happier than it should. In part because once I discovered it, and started making and consuming it on a regular basis, my life changed for the better. For me the act of making bone broth is an act of self-care. Something that I can do to nourish myself inside and out. The broth takes time to come into it’s own. I’m talking about 24 – 48 hour broth. We will get into the physical benefits in a minute or two.

There are other glorious benefits worth noting.

First, when the bones and other ingredients have been loaded into the pot, there is a hunkering down of sorts. A pot of simmering goodness will be alive in your house for the next full day or two. It needs TLC. You always know it’s there. A companion. You are, in fact, baby sitting. Will you leave the house with a simmering pot underway? “No, I can’t come over tonight, I’m making Bone Broth” is something you’ll hear yourself say not feeling any sacrifice whatsoever. Quite the opposite.

Will you peek at it in the middle of the night like a little newborn to see if it’s “breathing” and how things seem to be going. There is s sense of purpose that comes along with making bone broth for you and your loved ones.

Everything smells warm and homey and delicious. Somehow, it’s not just a winter thing. Making it during summer brings my thoughts back to the fall and winter seasons lovingly. I’m not sure what will happen for you, but it reminds me of home in the very best way possible. And of Grandparents. Of warm, safe, cozy times. Healing times when Mom would bring me soup in bed, and even if I didn’t eat it, I smelled it. I was being cared for. Nourished. Nurtured. Loved.

There is also the knowing that you can’t get your broth anywhere else. There are some small jars around claiming to be “Slow-Cooked Bone Broth”, but they are exorbitant, probably have salt, and preservatives for shelf life. Most importantly, only your broth is made for you by you. Exactly how you want it. You’ll find your friends and family becoming curious and attracted to your broth and broth making. It’s inevitable. You can share some with them knowing that they will feel better, and be better as a result of consuming it.

Okay, okay, okay. I know. I’ve become slightly cult-like in my love of Bone Broth. But, I’m not kidding when I tell you that it has loads to do with why I feel better.

I consume some every day, most of the time. Sometimes it’s as simple as a mug of loving warmth and nourishment. Other times I put Bone Broth in recipes including a vast array of soups, one of which I’ve included below. And there are many more recipes I will share with you in the coming weeks and months.

If for some reason I go a few days or, god forbid, a whole week without Bone Broth – I can definitely tell. I see it in my skin and eyes. They are the outside evidence of what’s going on inside. Also, if I’ve taken a Broth hiatus, something that’s not so good for me has inevitably replaced those warm mugs or delicious soups and broth-rich foods. Like me, you will be at your best when in the daily habit of consuming broth.

top bone broth benefits

Sparkle! Healthy Skin, Hair, Nails, Eyes
Builds a Healthy Gut
Promotes Natural Detoxing
Reduces Joint Pain and Inflammation
Enhances Relaxation
Stabilizes Moods
Encourages Speedy Recovery and Hydrates
Supports Healthy Bones
Fights Colds and Infections

I’m not saying that drinking Bone Broth alone has cured me of every ailment, or that you should consume it at the expense of other healthy foods. As enthusiastic as I am, I don’t consider broth the sole answer to all modern health problems. But I firmly believe it is a powerful part of a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet. I considered myself a healthy eater after eliminating sugars, pro-inflammatory processed foods full of white flour and hydrogenated vegetable oils among other heinous ingredients. It wasn’t until I made Bone Broth a big, regular part of my eating habits that I noticed the great improvement in my overall health and mood.

Bone Broth is an act of Self Care. Give it a shot. It’s your time to shine.

shrimp and parsnips in spicy tomato broth (chicken bone broth is the base)

I love substituting parsnips for potatoes. Their flavor has the faint sweetness of a carrot and the texture of a potato. That sweetness pairs perfectly with this spicy tomato broth using Chicken Bone Broth at its base.

Serves 4

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 cups onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tbsp paprika

¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1 14 ½ oz can organic, diced fire-roasted tomatoes

2 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped

4 cups Chicken Bone Broth

8 oz Parsnips, chopped

1 lb wild-caught shrimp, deveined and peeled

S & P to Taste

Heat the oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté, stirring until tender, aromatic and beginning to brown. Slowly, about 12-15 minutes. Add garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes for about 2 minutes, stirring. Add tomatoes with juice and simmer, stirring, until it thickens. Add broth and bring to a boil. Add parsnips and continue to boil until tender, then add shrimp for last 3 - 5 minutes until just cooked. Salt and Pepper to taste.