Jermaine Maree

Homemade Chicken Stock

jermaine — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:34:32 +0000

I love food! There is something about a tasty meal that speaks to my soul. Think back to some of the best meals you’ve had in your life and the memories that surround them. Smile! In an effort to stop eating processed foods I decided to create some homemade chicken stock about a week ago. At first it seemed like a great idea, then it seemed weird, and now I’m in love with it.

Normally when I want to cook something new I call my mom. She is the most awesome cook ever and can make anything taste delicious.

* Ring, Ring *

Mommy: Wasup Son?!
Me: Hey, if you wanted to make homemade chicken stock how would you do it?
Mommy: Why do you want to do that? Just buy some from the store.

Is she doubting my ability to do this? Is she implying that I’m lazy? Hmm.

Me: I’m trying to avoid all processed foods. That stuff is not good for you.
Mommy: Well, if I was to make it I would use chicken feet.

Yes, there was an emphasis on I – no surprise there – love that woman. Second, chicken feet? To make really rich and gelatinous stock you need to use chicken feet. Yes, chicken feet. Weird right?

In my usual fashion I decided to embark upon the internet for additional information. The internet made the same suggestion and after briefly searching I found a recipe.

Health Benefits

Outside of the weirdness and coolness factor of cooking chicken feet there are many health benefits to homemade chicken stock.

“A magic elixir of vitamins and minerals just begging to be taken.
Rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and other trace minerals.
Helps with digestion.
Rich in gelatin.

The Verdict

After getting over the initial shock of chicken feet in a pot I cooked them to the best of my ability. Not that you need much ability to boil some feet for a few hours. Five to six hours later I was in business. I put it in the fridge to cool off and later transferred to the freezer. The consistency of the stock is like jello when it is cold.

Ohh, and it tastes amazing!

Recipes To Get You Started

Go Play Kickball

jermaine — Thu, 12 May 2011 13:00:17 +0000

Many adults can remember playing kickball at least once during their childhood. The goal is similar to that of any sport — score more points than your opponent. It’s quite interesting most sports share that same goal no matter the equipment used or the rules of the game. As a kid many times you vocalized and/or visualized how your team was going to kick the other team’s butt. As an adult you pretty much do the same. Some things don’t change.

The Big Red Ball

The great thing about kickball is you don’t have to be a super athlete to be competitive and you do not need specialized equipment. All that is required are two teams, a field and a big red ball. Having fun is mandatory and implied! The red ball is easy to kick, takes some effort to throw, and soft enough that you can hit someone with it.

Although the red ball can be elusive if you take it for granted.

It’s not as easy to kick a homerun as you would imagine. The ball can easily be thrown into an unintended direction when excited. And if you don’t take care when catching the ball, it’s easy to drop. The red ball will also make you laugh, smile, scream, and cheer.

It’s pretty amazing!

The Rules

The rules are simple.

Two teams – 7 innings
Each team gets 3 outs per inning
Each batter gets 4 balls and 4 strikes
Foul balls are strikes
A foul ball on the 4th strike is an out
You can hit a runner with the ball to get them out :D

Go Play

Usually when I mention to people that I play in a kickball league I immediately get a weird look. It’s as if their brain is digging deep into the memory bank looking for that childhood memory. Once they remember how much fun kickball is you see a smile slowly forming on their face followed by, “That sounds like fun!”.

Start a team and join a GOkickball league in your area. If there isn’t a league, start your own or get some friends together for a game on the weekend!

#havefun

Photo: Kickball by Todd Borner

On Your Mark, Get Ready, Get Set

jermaine — Wed, 11 May 2011 15:45:30 +0000

GO!

Blogging always seems like a grand idea until you actually start doing the work. Then your mind begins to race with a multitude of thoughts and questions. What should I write about? Should I really say that? What if no one reads what I write? Will people hate me? And at some point you ask yourself the most important question of all. Why do I want a blog again?

The Reason

I don’t have one particular reason why I am blogging. Most beginner guides to blogging tell people to focus on one topic they are extremely passionate about. If you want to be successful this is the foundation and part of the blueprint required to build a great blog. Well, I’m passionate about a lot of things and I plan to write about ~~all~~ most of them. Some things are better left to the imagination ;-) Will I be “successful”? I don’t know but I plan on having fun.

Have Fun

Have fun is my new motto for life. Too many times we focus on doing the “right” thing or what is expected of us but rarely do most people focus on having fun. Doing what they want, how they want, when they want. Even if I can’t accomplish this 100% of the time my plan is to have fun as much as my circumstances allow.

What To Expect

So, what should you expect from this blog? I have no idea!

#havefun

Photo: Running Track by HKmPUA