Ham Broth, Slow Cooker

1. 1

   The day before you want to use this: in a 6-quart slow cooker combine water, ham hocks, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, bay leaves, and garlic. Cover and cook on high-heat setting for 4 to 6 hours.

2. 2

   Remove the hocks.

3. 3

   Remove meat from the pork hocks; coarsely chop (you should have about 2 cups) and set aside.

4. 4

   Discard bones.

5. 5

   Line a large sieve with a double thickness of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth; strain broth through sieve.

6. 6

   Discard solids.

7. 7

   Cover and chill broth and meat until ready to use.

8. 8

   If necessary, before using, spoon off and discard any solidified fat from the top of broth.

9. 9

   If necessary, add enough water to broth to make 10 cups total liquid.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.