Sauté the onion, celery and carrots in a little oil until they are slightly caramelized (about 10 min).  Add the water to the pot, then add all the other ingredients.  Simmer on low for 1-2 hours, or just let it roll in the crock pot all day — your choice.  Strain the broth into clean jars, and give the solid bits to the chickens.  Salt broth to taste. For Winter Support Broth with Chicken, use the same recipe as above and simply add the carcass of a roasted chicken.

Now after singing the praise of sage I would be remiss not to include a recipe featuring this wonder of an herb.  There is nothing as cozy in the winter months as a steamy bowl of risotto.  I often have a surplus of butternut squash tucked up in the rafters, and this is a simple, delicious way to use it.