A Cornish X bounty

[Tre3hugger]

Freezer space is more important than 'crude' slaughtering equipment.
Being able to can it is priceless!
Mucho Kudos!!

Thanks Aart! I am super excited to start getting to know my pressure canner and filling the pantry. Have been reading up on my model (Presto 16qt) and will give it a shot sometime next week. Woot! This time I will do hot pack stock and soup, but in the spring I will definitely be preserving some raw chicken.

 

[aart]

My first batch I struggled trying to dip individual feet and then peel. They needed to be dipped for a while. This time I just simmered the feet all at once in some water for 5-10 mins. It still wasn't super easy. I quit after 8 feet.

There's a sweet spot for peeling feet, get it right and they are pretty easy to peel.
Miss it and fahgetaboutit!

This time I will do hot pack stock and soup, but in the spring I will definitely be preserving some raw chicken.

Might hit up @bobbi-j she is stuck in my mind as a chicken canner pro.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

My first batch I struggled trying to dip individual feet and then peel. They needed to be dipped for a while. This time I just simmered the feet all at once in some water for 5-10 mins. It still wasn't super easy. I quit after 8 feet. It was plenty with all the other stuff. The rest will go to the pups as dog treats. They are in my other freezer.

ETA: After heating, run under cold water for a few. This process removed some layers of skin as well as scales.

Thank you, most appreciated.

 

[bobbi-j]

There's a sweet spot for peeling feet, get it right and they are pretty easy to peel.
Miss it and fahgetaboutit!

Might hit up @bobbi-j she is stuck in my mind as a chicken canner pro.

Not a pro, but I do like to can chicken. I raw pack it. It’s pretty easy to do. I follow the Ball Blue book directions.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Not a pro, but I do like to can chicken. I raw pack it. It’s pretty easy to do. I follow the Ball Blue book directions.

What size jars you prefer?

 

[3KillerBs]

Looks fabulous! Nothing like having a nice supply of good food in the freezer.

 

[Xouie]

This is soooo awesome! I love your meat bird postings — very helpful. Can’t wait til my first big batch of little meaties is more ready.

 

[bobbi-j]

What size jars you prefer?

It’s just DH and me, so I use mostly pint jars. Last time I did them, I did stuff drumsticks in quart jars because they were too tall for my pints. I think I got 8 per jar. I also save the chicken carcasses for bone broth and can that.

 

[Bettyboop7499]

Just wanted to share what I was able to get out of just 16 Cornish X. Processed with crude equipment in my backyard. Food security, how I love thee.

This is about 40-50 lbs of breasts, thigh quarters and wings in the freezer. There is also two huge tupperwares of DENSE chicken soup. I made broth first, then added a few legs, wings, and breast scraps. Celery carrot onon garlic ginger and spices. It's so meaty, nutritious and delicious. View attachment 2401685
Here's an example of a bone in breast.
View attachment 2401699
I just got a pressure canner so I decided to make a bunch of stock out of the feet/necks/backs to save for winter. I ended up with 6 quartz of stock that hardens when cold. Will spruce up nearly any recipe and makes a great foundation for lots of dishes. I think I will skim the fat off the top before pressure canning and use that (schmaltz) for cooking!
View attachment 2401692
View attachment 2401695
In the fridge there's 40lbs (6 birds) of whole bird resting in their bags. Also some more soup for eating this week (I love adding matzo balls to it for dinner!) and the broth until I can it. View attachment 2401697
I don't post this to brag. I just wanted to show people what they can accomplish with one small batch of meat birds. That is a substantial amount of food that ended up costing me about $1 a pound!! If I can do it you can do it.

Here is some info on raising and processing Cornish X if you're interested.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-x-for-health-hardiness-and-efficiency.76068/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...inners-overview-setup-cost-and-results.75951/

Thanks for reading!

I am doing the same thing right now, just started processing the chickens. I am struggling with the cleaning..it takes me for ever to get all the quills out of skin! But I’m excited to get broth and stock! A $1 a pound is fabulous! Did you free range yours? I will read thru the articles, thanks for sharing!

 

[Tre3hugger]

Looks fabulous! Nothing like having a nice supply of good food in the freezer.

Thanks Bs. This will be you in the spring!