4poundsraw chicken parts, including necks and backs
1large onion, quartered
4carrots, peeled and halved
4stalkscelery, halved
1leek, white part only, cut in half lengthwise
10sprigsfresh thyme
10sprigsfresh parsley, with stems
2bay leaves
8 to 10wholeblack peppercorns
2clovesgarlic, peeled
2gallonscold water
Specialized Hardware
12-quart stockpot
Steamer basket
ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutesminutes
TOTAL TIME: 14 hourshours30 minutesminutes
Yield: 5quarts
Procedure
Place the chicken, vegetables, herbs, and spices in a 12-quart stockpot. Set an open steamer basket directly on ingredients in pot and add the water. Cook on high heat until you begin to see bubbles break through the surface of the liquid; do not boil.