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Back to Basics: Superfood Seasoning Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe


Spring has arrived! Time is being spent playing outdoors and getting the yard ready for new plants to emerge. Outdoor sports are in full swing. After this long, cold winter no one is wanting to spend one minute more indoors than they must. Dinners are scrambled, but thanks to Kelsey, one of our most enthusiastic loyal customers, we have your solution!

Ingredients:
2 lbs organic chicken breast 
BRAISED Bone Broth concentrate
BRAISED Superfood Seasoning

Directions:
1. Place thawed chicken breasts in slow cooker 
2. Generously top with BRAISED Anti-Inflammatory Superfood Seasoning
3. Scoop three spoonfuls of BRAISED Bone Broth Concentrate
4. Cook on low for 4 hours then dice to top riced cauliflower and pair with creamy greens

Get your concentrate here.

Locals use code: IMALOCAL for free pick up or delivery!  

 

The Gathering Soup: A Holiday Recipe from the BRAISED Kitchen

 

Potato Gathering Soup

A Soulful Creation from the BRAISED Kitchen: Gluten Free/Grain Free/Primal

Ingredients
1 large onion diced
½ cup carrots thinly sliced
1 lb nitrate-free turkey bacon chopped
2 stalks organic celery diced
3 cloves garlic minced
8 organic potatoes cubed (Yukon gold work well)
1 ½ pouches of BRAISED Superfood Chicken Bone Broth or enough to cover potatoes
3 Tbsp of grass-fed butter
3 Tbsp tapioca starch
1 cup of organic grass-fed heavy cream
1 tsp dried tarragon
½ cup kale stems removed and finely chopped
Redmond’s Real Salt, to taste

Directions

  1. Cook bacon in some avocado oil or ghee in a Dutch oven or heavy soup pot until crispy. Remove the bacon, reserve the grease. Add celery, carrot and onion into the bacon grease and saute until soft. Stir in the minced garlic, cook for 1 minute more. Add cubed potatoes, toss to coat and saute for 3-4 more minutes. Add enough chicken broth to the pot to cover the potatoes, cover and simmer until potatoes are tender. 
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the tapioca starch. Continue to whisk for an additional 2 minutes or so to remove the tapioca taste then (while still whisking) add the cream in a slow stream to the mixture. Heat and whisk until mixture thickens, then stir the cream mixture into the soup pot with the potatoes.
  3. Season with salt to taste, and stir the tarragon and kale into the pot.
  4. Ladle into bowls and serve with sauteed bacon on top. 
  5. Additional optional toppings include shredded raw cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chives or micro greens as pictured.  

Recipe and Lifestyle Notes from Kate
This soup is obviously rich with the addition of heavy cream so a perfect holiday gathering recipe (no wonder it’s so crowd-pleasing, right?!). In the BRAISED Kitchen we follow the 80/20 rule, honoring everything in moderation - or better stated - most things in moderation with certain caveats. We view food and eating holistically with a sense of balance and family in mind and through a lense of the paleo/ancestral/traditional food philosophy. We believe in slow food that is whole, well sourced, and offers dense nutrition. This recipe calls for dairy, but it can be substituted for full-fat coconut milk if desired (although proportions might vary). When making this soup for an average weekly night dinner, this is how we’ll make it again - dairy free - but if you can afford to (from a health perspective) try the recipe as written, you won’t be disappointed! This recipe easily doubles to accommodate a large family gathering and of course leftovers for when no one feels like cooking.

And now the recipe backstory...



Market days start early and are chaotic in our household. We are fortunate to have parents able to watch our children and keep things grounded during farmers’ market season. Nita has never been the best sleeper so it’s common for her to wake up EARLY to the sound of scuffles in the hallway or muffled voices in the kitchen as we go through our pre-opening checklist. Grandma “GG” often has a snuggle nest ready to go in the living room and the rule is no talking until it’s light out! Once resettled - often with the help of Disney’s Moana - Mama B makes her way to the laundry basket for folding or to the kitchen to prepare meals for the day (which always includes her famous traditionally fermented sourdough). We are SO blessed! This past weekend’s creation was particularly yummy and thoroughly crowd-pleasing so I have to share. I left for market after giving mom one inspiration - “I’m really wanting a stick-to-your-ribs warm and comforting CREAMY soup (can you say postpartum cravings?) - Go!”

With the holidays in our midst, BRAISED celebrates and values family and those we consider family. What a special time to show how much you love and care for those around you and no better way to do it than to open your home and to gather around a bubbling pot of soup. And, trust me, this is the proper nourishment for this purpose. It will forever be named our “Gathering Soup.” Enjoy.

Let us know what you think of the recipe or the modified dairy-free version on social media. We’d love to peek out your own soulful creations!

 

14 Uses (& Counting) for Sipping Bone Broth Everyday

By now you have likely heard of bone broth as the newest ‘superfood’ but do you know how or why to use it?

Here is a list of some of the ways and reasons our customers and beyond are using bone broth and why we believe homemade or BRAISED Bone Broth deserves a daily appearance in a healthy diet.

First, read this.

1) Daily Nutrition / Prevention & Natural Remedy

Bone broth is a traditional food used historically in many cultures for its nutrition and health benefits. Modern anecdotal evidence is increasing for its use in disease prevention, boosting the immune system during acute sickness and as a natural remedy for more chronic conditions like: inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, chronic diarrhea, constipation, food intolerances, hyperacidity, colitis, Chrohn’s disease, anemia, blood diseases, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, bone disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, auto-immune issues, and conditions of the nervous system (Source: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon). Traditional Chinese Medicine uses bone broth to support the kidneys and to build the blood and “vital energy” of patients.

Tip: We do not claim our products treat or heal disease. We do believe that consistent intake of BRAISED Bone Broth (app 8 oz daily) provides nutrition that does the body good.

2) Athletic Performance / Pre & Post Workout Nutrition

Sport and fitness is evolving. Using deep nutrition for optimal performance and recovery is becoming widely practiced by amateur and professional athletes using bone broth in place of typical pre/post workout options like chocolate milk, protein shakes, and popular sports drinks - all of which can be full of allergens, hormones, antibiotics, sugar, and chemical food additives. The protein, sodium, electrolytes, and fluid in bone broth restore the body from prolonged bouts of exercise or sweating.

Tip: Use BRAISED Bone Broth Concentrate for convenient on-the-go broth for post workout recovery. Mix 1 ¾ Tbsp of concentrate with 7-8 oz hot water into a quality thermal mug to keep hot until enjoyed.

3) Meal Replacement On-the-Go / Weight Loss

In a hurry for breakfast or lunch? Avoid the drive-thru and fix a mug of bone broth instead. The 11 grams of protein per 8 oz serving is surprisingly satisfying staving off the appetite and keeping you healthier (and thinner), too.

Tip: Use BRAISED Bone Broth Concentrate as a meal replacement ready in less than a minute when using a hot water function on a water filter or an electric tea kettle. Mix 1 ¾ Tbsp of concentrate with 7-8 oz hot water into a quality thermal mug and enjoy in the car or at the office.

4) Broth Cleanse

Doing a dedicated fast / cleanse / detox / and/or juicing program a few times a year can be beneficial for weight loss and general health. Using bone broth offers a low glycemic alternative or complement to juice (high in sugar and carbohydrate) and caters to those who prefer warm beverages.

Tip: If you are new to cleansing read this and consult your trusted healthcare provider to structure a plan that benefits you. If you purchase a Broth Bundle / Cleanse for One you’ll receive enough bone broth for either a 21-day cleanse replacing one meal each day with an 8 oz serving of bone broth or a 7-day fasting cleanse where you replace all three meals each day. 

5) Teeth (Bones) / Oral Health

New research (as illustrated in the book Cure Tooth Decay by Ramiel Nagel and the Weston Price Foundation) is showing that diet has a tremendous impact on oral health. There have even been reported cases of cavities reversing with the consistent intake of mineral-rich nutrition. Bone broth is one of the foods used traditionally for this purpose. For a modern case study, we love this post by popular natural health blogger, Wellness Mama.

Tip: We do not claim our products treat or heal dental issues. We do believe that consistent intake of BRAISED Bone Broth (app 8 oz daily) provides nutrition that does the body good (mouth and teeth included).

6) Energy / Ritual for Well-Being

Most Americans use their favorite drinks during the day in attempts to feel energized, alert, calm, relaxed, comforted, or just plain occupied from boredom. An afternoon broth break is the perfect replacement to the sugar, caffeine, and toxins found in other common beverages. Bone broth provides easily absorbed nutrition producing both energy and a calming effect (paradoxically). According to Hanna Kroeger of Ageless Remedies from Mother’s Kitchen, “chicken soup [bone broth] has a natural ingredient which feeds, repairs, and calms the mucous lining in the small intestine. This inner lining is the beginning or ending of the nervous system. It is easily pulled away from the intestine through too many laxatives, too many food additives…and parasites. Chicken soup…heals the nerves, improves digestion, reduces allergies, relaxes and gives strength.”

7) Medical Procedure Prep / Recovery

Special liquid diets are often prescribed by healthcare providers. Bone broth is a savory, high-protein, and nourishing option that satisfies when solid food is not permitted or tolerated.

Tip: Use BRAISED Bone Broth Concentrate for convenient portable nutrition to use wherever/whenever the patient needs support. Simply hydrate using the hot water feature of a water filter, an electric tea kettle, a single serving coffee machine with a reusable cup insert, or the hot water dispenser in a cafeteria.

8) Cooking with Flavor / Nutrition / Umami

Weeknight meals are simple, clean, light, healthy and surprisingly satisfying with bone broth-based soup or it can be added to a pan and simmered down into a demi glace – a rich sauce common in French and gourmet cuisine. Bone broth can be used creatively in a variety of healthy rustic dishes for flavor, umami (mouth-feel), and nutrition and in any recipe that calls for stock.

Tip: Our favorite weeknight recipe is using BRAISED Bone Broth with kelp noodles, parsley, roasted chicken and whatever vegetables we have on hand. We also use BRAISED Bone Broth Concentrate for sauces to avoid the hassle of evaporating the water from the broth.

9) Convenient / Budget-Friendly Superfood

Eating fresh healthy food is expensive and often difficult to source. The daily consumption of bone broth is an ideal food for those wanting the best nutrition on a budget or for those who cannot source large amounts of clean/sustainable meat. The amino acids in the gelatin are protein-sparing, meaning they allow the consumers to more fully utilize complete proteins taken in from other sources (Source: Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon). The result? In theory, you need less and therefore eat less – all good things for the average American who consumes too much of everything.

Tip: Our Broth Bundle / Cleanse for Two, buying in bulk, and our coming-soon autoship subscription program are the most sustainable ways to consume regular amounts of BRAISED Bone Broth products as we offer significant savings and value for these type orders. It is our daily mission to pursue and pass on any savings in cost we can to our like-minded customers that desire the consistent nutrition of daily bone broth.

10) Protein Source for Vegetarians / Elderly / Impoverished

Bone broth is not vegetarian, but many vegetarians use bone broth successfully to replenish essential nutrients found only in animal-based foods. The protein-sparing quality of bone broth helps these individuals reap the most from other plant-based protein sources and helps to replace missing nutrients without having to abandon their vegetarian lifestyle. Others that benefit for this reason include the commonly malnourished elderly and impoverished populations.

Tip: Many use bone broth as a “crossover” food moving from plant-based to paleo-inspired / ancestral diets. This is a big lifestyle shift for many reasons. Prepared bone broth is an approachable food made even more so when added to simple recipes like the pumpkin soup shown above. Bone broth consumed in these ways helps to ease the transition by providing easily assimilated protein and digestive support when other new foods are being introduced. 

11) Coffee / Tea Alternative

Bone broth offers quick energy like caffeine but without the dip that occurs after the stimulant has metabolized. According to Dr.Pottenger, author of the famous cat studies, the hydrophilic colloids in the broth (gelatin) attract liquids to it – i.e. digestive juices – for rapid and effective digestion and nutrition for energy. The robust flavor and umami of bone broth offers a satisfying replacement for even the most die-hard coffee drinkers sipped first thing in the morning, for an afternoon pick-me-up, or at nighttime for a healthy and soothing wellness ritual. 

12) Pregnancy / Pediatric Nutrition

Drinking bone broth is perfect for pregnancy when eating meat is often unappealing and dietary protein is lacking for the expecting mother. It is also wonderful for children and teens with picky tastes or dairy intolerance to receive the nutrients of animal-based foods without the allergens, hormones, or antibiotics. Some paleo bloggers report using it as early as 5 months for their children as a breast milk and formula alternative; however, we suggest talking to a qualified pediatric nutritionist if you plan to use our product for this purpose. The gelatin in bone broth can help to soothe the digestive tract of colicky children and serve as comforting nutrition and rehydration in times of illness. 

Tip: All BRAISED products are frozen and have a shelf life of 6 months making them great emergency reserves to use for quick family meals or in times of sickness. 

13) Beauty / Healthy Skin, Hair, Nails

The newest fad in Hollywood for beauty and looking young is – you guessed it – sipping a cup a day of bone broth! Nutrients like collagen, gelatin, protein, and minerals are supportive for the skin, hair, nails and other connective tissues. Much of the dermis layer of the skin is made of dense irregular connective tissue composed of large amounts of closely packed collagenous fibers and are therefore fortified by collagen-rich foods like bone broth.

Tip: Fads are great but bone broth is not new. We caution our readers of the implied promises of the hype. Some iteration of bone broth has been used by most civilizations/cultures since the Stone Age as a primary food source. This is how we see it – as a lifestyle product and one that should show up in the diet regularly to maximize the potential health benefits.

1) (Even!) Pet Care

An article in Dogs Naturally Magazine suggests that bone broth is healthy for our pets by supporting the joints, a healthy gut, and detoxification of the liver. They say it is also a great way for sick dogs to receive nutrition when their appetite for solid food is lacking.

Tip: BRAISED Bone Broth is not intended for pets! It has certain ingredients like onion that might be irritating. We recommend using the instructions in the link above to craft a homemade version for your furry family members until we can provide a pet version through our product offerings.

Have a use for bone broth that we haven't thought of or that you'd like to know more about? Post a comment or get in touch at hello@braisedbonebroth.com.  

Cheers!