My friend, MotherofBlessings raises chickens for meat and eggs, and also allows me to purchase some and she raises them for me. She blesses us so much! When butchering time comes, we come out and help with all of them.
This year, we used a different approach to the butchering and just skinned and pieced the birds. It was quicker since we didn't have to scald or pluck the birds, or mess with gutting them. However, since they weren't scalded, we had to prepare the feet at home. I took pictures, so you could learn how to prepare feet for using in broth. They really are the secret ingredient for a truly mineral-rich broth!
Here's my plate of feet before processing:
First you need to scald the feet in boiling water. Boiling water loosens the outer layer of scaly skin.
Next, remove the feet and let them cool just a bit. I only scalded two at a time, since they need to be hot for the next step.
Rub the foot and leg briskly with your thumb and forefinger. The thick yellow layer should peel off very easily. Also, remove the sheaths that cover the claws. You didn't know the Lord made removable covers for chicken toes, did you? Everything that touched the ground while the chicken walked comes off and you are left with a sparkling clean foot. The white thing on my ring finger is a toenail sheath.
Repeat till you have a plate of clean, ready-to-use feet. Some people clip off the toes with a sharp knife to allow more gelatin to escape. This is optional. I get a great, solid broth without that step.
That just looks WRONG! Chicken feet look evil to me without the chicken but if they make a good broth I may have to give it a try when we have/slaughter our own chickens. Maybe I'll give the "feet" job to one of the boys? Seems like something a boy would like. ;) BTW, do you do a 7 day broth too, like Katie does?
Blessings, Faith
Ok, I understand that it's healthy, and that what with the boiling and removing of sheaths it's quite clean, but the LOOK of those feetsies - EW! Ew ew ew, LOL :D
Thank you so much for posting this! I knew they were good in bone broth but I couldn't find anyone who knew how to prep and use them. I actually found cleaned chicken feet at my local Asian store so I used those. You gave me the confidence to try them, thanks again!
I am a new reader, although I think I read off and on a while back. Anyways, The tutorial on chicken feet is so discusting......but so yummy at the same time. Funny how that happens. I may have to use it when we get meat chickens. :)
I'm the blessed wife of My Honey of 14 years, and Momma to eight wonderful Lambies aged 13 and under. We live in Central CA, and use Ambleside Online for our curriculum. I'd love to meet you , so browse a while and feel free to leave a comment!
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Posted by Mary P. 
• Sep. 25, 2009 - Oh my!
Blessings, Faith