• 2 onions peeled and quartered
• 1 bulb garlic peeled
• 2 leeks white and lite green parts only, scrubbed clean, cut into large chunks
• 2 carrots scrubbed clean, cut into large chunks
• 2 stalks celery cleaned, cut into large chunks (leaves optional)
• 2 potatoes scrubbed clean, quartered (The starch adds a little richness.)
• 1 tablespoon mixed peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• sprigs of thyme
• sprigs of parsley

OTHER INGREDIENTS TO TRY

• 2 dried porcini mushrooms
• 2 lemon zest strips
• 1 medium turnip scrubbed and quartered
• 10 green beans cleaned and cut into large pieces
• 2 or 3 medium tomatoes adds strong flavor and color
• 5 or 6 chives
• 2 or 3 lettuce leaves
• 1 apple or pear scrubbed and quartered
• 4 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 sweet potato scrubbed and quartered
• 2 to 3 large slices of ginger great for an Asian-style stock