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FOR THE BEEF, VEAL, LAMB, OR PORK STOCK: Heat a heavy kettle or stockpot over medium heat.
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Add the meat and bones of whichever meat you are using and cook until well browned all over, turning them now and then.
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(For the beef stock, add the carrots after the meat begins to brown.)
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Then add 2 gallons of water to the pot, plus all of the stock seasonings.
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Bring to a light boil, then lower to a bare simmer.
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Cook for 2-3 hours.
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Then go to Finish, below.
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FOR THE CHICKEN STOCK: Pour 2 gallons of water into a heavy kettle or stockpot.
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Add the chicken and the stock seasonings.
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Bring to a light boil, then lower to a bare simmer.
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Cook for 2 hours.
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Then go to Finish, below.
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FOR THE CRAB, SHRIMP, OR CRAWFISH STOCK: Crush the crab claws and/or crawfish shells with a pounder to break open.
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Combine claws and/or shells in a heavy kettle or stockpot with the stock seasonings and enough water to cover.
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Bring to a light boil, lower to a bare simmer, and cook for 30 minutes.
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Then go to Finish, below.
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FOR THE FISH STOCK: Put fish bones and scraps into a pot and nearly cover with cold water.
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Heat until water begins to steam, then pour off water.
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Refill pot with enough water to cover and add the oregano and stock seasonings.
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Bring to a light boil, then lower to a bare simmer.
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Cook for 45 minutes.
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Then go to Finish, below.
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FOR A VEGETABLE STOCK: Combine stock seasonings with 1 gallon of water.
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Bring to a boil then lower to a bare simmer.
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Cook for 30 minutes.
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Then go to Finish, below.
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FINISH FOR ALL STOCKS:
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As the pot boils, skim any foam that rises to the top.
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For meat and chicken stocks, also skim off any fat.
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Cook for the noted time, then strain stock through the finest sieve or cheesecloth.
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Dispose of solids (except for the chicken or meats, which can be picked from the bones for use in other recipes).
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Stocks can be further reduced and intensified by continuing to simmer after the solids have been removed.
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Let stock cool to lukewarm, then refrigerate if not using right away.
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For beef and chicken stocks, the fat will rise and solidify upon chilling and can be easily removed.
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All except vegetable stocks may become gelatinous in the refrigerator; this is not a problem.