Chicken Stock Preparation

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3 lb) chicken
• salt and pepper
• 1 small onion, stuck with 3 cloves
• 1 small bunch tarragon
• 2.5 litres ( 4 pints ) water
• 1 bouquet garni

Method ( makes roughly about 1 litre of chicken stock for use. )

1. Place the chicken and water into a large saucepan.
2. Bring slowly to the boil, skimming off any surface scum.
3. Add the remaining ingredients, bring the pan back to the boil, lower the heat and cover the pan.
4. Simmer gently for 1  1/2 hours, remember to skim it regularly.
5. Strain the chicken stock through clean muslin ( or a very fine sieve ).
6. Cool quickly and chill put in the refrigerator to cool completely.

• Remove all hardened fat from the surface of the stock before using it.