Free Broth

How many of you boil your ribs before barbecuing?  We started doing this and find we come up with a much more tender meat.  BUT: What do you do with the water that you boiled it in???

Since I am always on the lookout for an animal fat source for my soapmaking, I started putting the pot of leftover water in the frig overnight.  In the morning, the fat is a hard layer on the top that I can easily pick out and save in a coffee can in the frig for later soapmaking.  I was pretty pleased with my secondary use of the water.

But...the leftover product can be a wonderful homemade broth!  I just simmer the broth on the stove for about 3 to 5 hours to reduce it.  The water steams out, leaving a more flavorful broth.  Then pour it through a strainer to get out the meat pieces, etc. and, voila!, you have an incredible base for soups, sauces, or a boost for a pot roast or stew gravy.  I usually put it in a tupperware and freeze so it will be ready when I need it. 


So, that pot of water can give you three products in three stages:


1) Yummy ribs
2) Fat for soapmaking
3) Wonderful Free Broth


I would love to hear other ideas or comments.  :)