Gelling does NOT just come from bones. Certain parts of none bone items gel. Do you know what "Cow Hide Glue" is: It is made from "Cow Hide" obviously. It is just concentrated protein. Cow feet, chicken feet.. are rich in that kind of gelling protein. Bone marrow also is the same. Bone itself is the source of calcium, not protein. About removing fat: If you cook, boil, simmer chicken for hours and then can the liquid part (including some fat) right away, how does this can prevent heat penetration and possibly some bacteria can survive ??? Beat me. Actually a layer of lard (Animal fat) is a sealant and would prevent the air (along with bacterial) to get in. What make a seal (Some negative pressure) is due to the water vapor in the head space that is condensed, causing a negative pressure. If you have been boiling, say some both and now fill your jar with it and immediately put the lid on it and tighten the ring it will seal perfectly. Anyway, if I wanted to can broth, I would skim the fat for health reason (cholesterol !!!) not safety reason. YMMV Seysonn

I too thought you were in Mexico again, Jen, with a margarita in your hand and sand between your toes. :-) beache and amysrq, thanks for the nice thoughts. My computer croaked in mid-December and it took me a while to get another one. (Freecyclers tend to have an interesting definition of "working" when it comes to computers...) While the library has computers for public use, lines were long and time limited so that by the time I got through basic email and "business" (one of the drawbacks of being on electronic payment and paperless billing for everything!) there was no time left for fun. Hey, has anyone else been here long enough to remember that there was a lot less downtime, lost posts, and general messed-up-ness when Spike ran this joint? (That'll probably get me a Friendly Reminder, eh?)

Geez, I was afraid I spent too much time here...it's still better time spent than making processed meat mugs. As an aside, I posted rules for visitors in our condo. Rule #1 is you are not allowed to cook bacon. If they want it they have to go out to a restaurant. I cannot stand the smell and I don't want it permeating the whole place. So you can imagine my total disgust just looking at the turtle and mug of fat. Ewwwwww

A duck was standing by the side of the road looking across to the other side. A chicken walked up to him and said, "Don't do it, friend. You'll never hear the last of it."