Slow-Cooker Broth - All Purpose

Great to make ahead to have on hand when your recipe calls for broth. You can use all chicken or beef or combine the two to make an all purpose broth. If making chicken, skip the browning step, just toss it in the slow cooker. Chicago Tribune Good Eating 1/12/11. Prep and cook time does not include cooling time.

• Ready In: 8 hrs 20 mins
• Yields: 3 1/2 quarts

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  vegetable oil
• 3  lbs  beef bones, cross-cut beef shanks, your choice
• 1 1⁄2 lbs chicken wings, neck, backs, your choice
• 4  quarts water
• 4  bay leaves
• 3  garlic cloves, crushed
• 2  large carrots, rough chop
• 1  small leek, split, rough chop, well rinsed
• 1  onion, rough chop
• 1  teaspoon black peppercorns

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet. Add beef bone and chicken part; cook in a single uncrowded layer, turning once or twice until nicely browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add water and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
3. Cool, strain. Refrigerate until cold. Scrap off any excess fat. discard.
4. Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze in small containers up to several months.