Basic Stock

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds Chicken pieces
• 1 1/2 pounds Pork spareribs
• 15 cups Water
• 3 (to 4) pieces fresh ginger
• Unpeeled and crushed
• 3 (to 4) scallions -- each tied
• Into a knot
• 3 tablespoons (to 4T) Chinese rice wine or dry sherry

Preparation:

• Trim off any excess fat from the chicken and spareribs.
• With a sharp knife, chop them into large pieces.
• Place the chicken and spareribs in a large pot or pan with the water.
• Add the ginger and scallion knots.
• Bring to a boil and, using a strainer, skim off the froth.
• Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours.
• Strain the stock, discarding the chicken, pork, ginger, and scallions, add the wine or sherry and return to a boil.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes.