The Simple Art of Healing Bone Broth

As mothers, I believe we have a beautiful, God-given calling to be the keepers of our homes. We are the gatekeepers of what crosses the threshold and, ultimately, what nourishes the precious little lives running through our hallways.

I know that for many of you that responsibility can sometimes feel like a heavy weight. You’re standing in the aisles of Sprouts or Natural Grocers, turning over a carton of chicken broth, and your heart sinks a little. You see "natural flavors," "yeast extract," or "sugar," and you wonder: Is this really what I want to be fueling my children's growing bodies?

If you’ve ever felt that nudge of "there has to be a better way," I want you to know I hear you. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional with the gifts God has provided.

The Mystery in the Box

We buy boxed broth because it’s convenient. We’re busy! Between tending to our families and keeping up with the sourdough starter, we need shortcuts. But the truth is, most store-bought broths are shelf-stable "meat-flavored water" rather than the nutrient-dense, gut-healing elixir our grandmothers used to make.

When we use bones from animals raised the way God intended—on fresh pasture, under the sun, and moved to new "salad bars" of grass every single day—we aren't just making soup. We are capturing the stewardship of the land in a jar.

Why Your Gut (and Your Kids) Will Thank You

True bone broth, made from organically-fed chicken frames or regenerative beef bones, is a concentrated source of collagen and amino acids like glycine.

• For the Kids: It supports their growing bones and helps seal their gut lining—vital for a strong immune system and healthy digestion.

• For Your Peace of Mind: There are no "unknowns." No chemicals. No synthetic additives. Just pure, farm-fresh nutrients.  

The "No-Fuss" Farm Method

You don't need to be a professional homesteader to do this. You can easily set this up while the kids are playing nearby, and let the tools in your kitchen do the heavy lifting.

1. The Foundation: Place one of our pastured chicken frames or 2 lbs of beef marrow bones in your Instant Pot.

2. The Scraps: Add those veggie scraps you’ve been saving—onion skins, carrot tops, and celery ends.

3. The Water: Pour in filtered water just until the bones are covered and a splash of apple cider vinegar (this helps pull the vital minerals from the bones).

4. Seasonings: Add your favorite seasonings! I enjoy black pepper, Himalayan salt, thyme, and rosemary. A tsp of each should do the trick.

5. The Time: Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to Low Pressure for 4 hours or slow cooker on Low for 16 hours.

Using low pressure for a longer duration is a gentle way to extract all that goodness without "boiling" the life out of the delicate fats and proteins. When it’s done, let it naturally release. You’ll see that beautiful "gel" when it cools—that’s the collagen that heals. 

 (Tip: If the bones won't crumble between your fingers, don't toss them yet—there's more goodness to extract. Simply refill the pot with fresh water and let it go again.)

Honoring the Whole Gift

In our home, we often say a prayer of thanks for the animal that provided this meal. Using the bones to make broth is a way of honoring the life of the animal and being good stewards of what we’ve been given. It turns a "cooking chore" into an act of worship and care for your family.

Imagine the next time your little ones have a sniffle, or you’re making a Sunday roast to dip your sourdough into. Instead of reaching for a box with a list of ingredients you can’t pronounce, you reach into your freezer for a jar of liquid gold you made yourself.

That is the transformation from "worried shopper" to "confident nourisher."