question about homemade chicken stock

[frugal.lass]

Okay, for the first time ever I tried making chicken stock using the remains of a roast chicken. My silly question is this...I let the chicken carcass and vegetables simmer for a few hours and after straining the liquid I'm left with about 2.5 cups of very opaque stock. Did I turn it into homemade "condensed" chicken stock? Should I dilute it a bit when I use it to make soup? To be honest, I've never even tasted homemade chicken stock so I'm not sure exactly what I was even aiming for. Nobody in my family is into any of the "domestic arts" so I'm turning to you folks for suggestions.

It tastes...chicken-y (could have used a bit more onion but I ran out). I'm just not sure how strong it should be.

[dcompton]

I would say whatever tastes good to you. If it tastes fine, it's ok. If it seems a bit strong, add some water. But there are much better cooks on this board than I am, so they will probably have the real answer

[Karla]

I'd say use it as is...if you have to add water just make sure not to add to much...taste as you go you will then figure out what is best for your tastes and uses.

[Ceashels]

It sounds as though you did fine. I don't add veggies to my stock because I never know what I'm going to use it for. A good stock will set up like jello when cold and melt in your mouth when used in hot dishes.

[redmaples]

Hi Liz,
I made my first good chicken stock yesterday.

I got some online help w/ Kimberly @ herbmentor.com (you have to be a subscribing member there). she adds herbs such as astragalus, burdock & dandelion roots. also garlic & parsley. she uses a roasted chicken carcass as you did.

Other help & found & also the method I used came from another site. It is the best I've found as far as directions. also gives you two options, one with a roasted carcass the other w/ a fresh, whole chicken. I opted for the later & used the herbs as I learned from Kimberley. check these directions out, it gives good description of the difference between the 2 types of stocks, what they can be used for & recipe links.

www.mahalo.com/How_to_Make_Chicken_Stock

good luck in your stock making endeavors!

[frugal.lass]

Thanks for the replies, Ladies! I will probably water it a down a bit when I use it to make soup. I just wasn't sure what to expect because commercial chicken stock/broth always seems very clear...I thought I had maybe done something wrong.

Thanks again!!