Bone broth is always available in our house. It’s either in the fridge, or frozen in mason jars or ice cube trays for easy access. It is liquid gold over here!

When we were still searching for answers for Logan I came across the GAPS diet. It’s basically a super intense diet to heal the gut, and some people swear that it “cures” autism or autistic behaviors. Well, it was too intense for us, but I took the broth element away from it and am SO happy I did.

Logan has some every day, and I’m certain it has helped form connections in her brain and body that were not there before. After all, the gut and the brain are so closely tied together. When she consumes it regularly she is more attentive, happier, her GI system is working better, and she is just overall healthier. With results like this, I will do anything it takes, and will make this forever if I have to! So, here is my process…

I always start with a whole organic chicken. I cook that first, then use everything but the meat for the broth. So, I’m including two recipes here! The chicken can be used for an entire week depending on what you are planning for dinner. We usually do plain chicken, then use the leftovers for tacos. With both, keep in mind that you can play around with your own spice mixture!

Whole Chicken in the Crock Pot

4lb organic whole chicken

1 onion, loosely chopped

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons tumeric

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Mix all spices together and rub on the chicken. Place the onions on the bottom of the crockpot, then place the chicken on top, breast side down. Cook on high for 4-5 hours.

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Remove all meat from the bones, and DO NOT throw anything away! I like to use these soup socks to make the end process easier. Just put all of your bones, skin, vegetables, etc. in here!

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And now for the fun part…

Bone Broth in the Crock Pot

So now you have all of your leftover chicken parts (that sounds gross, I know). The rest is so easy!

1 bunch celery, chopped

2-3 carrots, chopped

Beef Bones (this is optional, but makes for a richer broth)

1 Bay Leaf

Sprigs of thyme

Water

2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

Place everything but the beef bones into the soup sock already full of your chicken and onion bits (don’t forget to knot the end!). Place beef bones in the crock pot, then put the soup sock over. Add enough water to fill the pot, leaving about an inch. Add the apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook on low for at least 10 hours. I usually do 20.

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Once done, strain the entire pot, little by little. You don’t want to waste any of your precious broth! *If you used tumeric, be sure to protect your countertops while straining. It could stain!

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Let cool slightly before you fill your containers. Be sure to stir first! When it cools, it should have a jello type consistency.

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There are so many ways you can add this to your diet, and even sneak it in for the wee ones. Heat up in a mug and drink it (GREAT when you have a cold or feel something coming on!), use it to cook rice or any other grains, add a frozen cube of it to whatever you are cooking…be creative! It adds so much flavor to just about everything, and no one here notices when they are having it!