"Instant" Bone Broth

I made real, honest to goodness bone broth for the very first time!

I've had incredible bone broth from Pasture Bird but I had never made it myself. I was too intimidated, and I felt like it would be a big hassle that I didn't have time for as a new mom. I had visions of a messy kitchen and a fussy toddler, so I just didn't even seriously consider making it myself... until now.

Since I got my amazing Instant Pot (click for Amazon listing) , I feel so much more confident cooking delicious meals with some of my tougher cuts of meat (when you buy a full 1/4 beef once a year like we do, you get cuts you aren't too sure how to cook). 

I was able to throw everything for a great bone broth into the pot, turn it on, go for a walk with my son, and come back to fully cooked, nutrient dense and delicious broth ready to be strained and stored in jars.

Did you know bone broth is full of collagen, minerals like calcium and magnesium, can help reduce inflammation and joint pain, helps you grow gorgeous, strong hair, nails and skin, can help you look and feel younger, and can help boost your immune system?! It's so easy to make is it will save me a boatload of money compared to buying it pre-made.

There was no complicated prep, no standing over the stove, no entire days in the slow cooker. All I had to do was push buttons and leave it alone.  SO EASY! If you don't own an Instant Pot yet, it's one of the few appliances I can wholeheartedly recommend to help make your life easier, and more nutritious.

Easy Whole Healthy Bone Broth:
• Bones of 2 chicken carcasses (3-5 lb chickens)
• 2 leeks
• 2 large carrots
• 2 medium/large stalks of celery
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp black peppercorns
• 1-2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
• fresh herbs as desired (optional)
• fresh, filtered water

Put the chicken bones into the stainless steel pot. Add chopped carrots, celery, leeks (see how to chop leeks here), and remaining ingredients.

Fill the pot with water to about 2/3 full. Close the lid.

Using the manual setting, set time for 120 minutes on high pressure.

When the Instant Pot time is finished, wait for it to fully depressurize before trying to open the lid. This may take close to an hour. Just wait, it will be worth it.

LOOK AT THAT BROTH!

When the pot is cool enough to handle, strain the broth into a big glass or stainless steel bowl, straining out all the chicken bones and other chunky ingredients. Throw this stuff away.
When the broth is cool enough, pour from the bowl into clean glass mason jars and freeze or refrigerate for later use.

Voila! You just made your own bone broth! *Does a happy dance for you*

When you make this, make sure you come back and tell me how it went! I can't wait to celebrate with you. 

XO Maggie

This post contains affiliate links which means I make money on purchases made via these links, which helps support this blog. I never recommend anything I don't use and love myself. All opinions are my own.

Naturally Sweet Antioxidant Brownies

Quick, easy brownies packed with antioxidants, protein and just the right amount of sweetness. Decadent and satisfying without any added sugar. 

I crossed my fingers when I made these, actually. I tweaked a recipe I found on a sugar bag, just hoping for the best. But these are AMAZING! This is your new favorite dessert. I promise.

I believe in always eating mindfully and consciously. If you want something sweet and it serves you in some way in that moment, just eat it and enjoy. No guilt!

I couldn't eat a whole tray of these because they're so rich. But with no added sugar, I don't even have to think about it. Truly awesome.

Cacao is packed with antioxidants that help protect our DNA and cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. These brownies are the perfect excuse to eat lots of this amazing ingredient, without the damaging effects of sugar!

• 1 cup cacao powder
• 2 scoops vanilla plant protein (get my favorite here)
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
  
  Preheat oven to 350F

Grease 8x8 brownie pan with a little additional coconut oil

Mix cacao powder, protein powder and sea salt in a medium sized bowl.

Blend coconut milk, dates, egg, and coconut oil on high in a food processor until you get as close to a puree as possible. Dates may not blend completely.

Add puree mixture to the dry ingredients and blend thoroughly with a rubber spatula until everything is incorporated. 

Spread evenly into greased brownie pan. Bake for 25 mins or until a toothpick inserted in the brownies comes out clean. Let cool completely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Enjoy!