Instructions: Cut in big chunks (maybe quarters) a couple onions, leeks, several carrots, some celery ribs and an apple. Toss them with several cloves of garlic, some mushrooms (old, shriveled ones are the best), a few slices of fresh ginger (peel and all), lemon grass is good if you have it and a couple sprays of pam. Roast all this is 500 degree oven for about 20 minutes until very brown. (This kind of carmelizes them, and they develop a sweetness).

After roasting, put them in a stockpot, and add all the peelings and trimmings youve saved up. plus any veggies youve had around long enough theyre beginning to look a little tired. (Or fresh ones, too!) A bunch of parsely is nice, peppercorns, sprigs of dried or fresh herbs (thyme is especially good), maybe some dill seeds, a couple of whole allspices, and enough water to cover everything by 2 inches.

Bring to a boil, simmer for 20-30 minutes (Ive let it go a lot longer, too), fish out the vegies, strain, and you have great stock for soup, sauteeing, cooking pasta or rice and whatever else.

The great thing about this, is the recipe really doesnt matter, just the main principles. Use whatever vegies youve got and like (or get rid of some you dont). The roasting and the apple (or pear) seem to be key. The rest is pure invention.

own for several years, now and I think its great. I got a couple of ideas from the owner of a Seattle restaunt called Dahlia.

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