OPAL’S HOMESTEAD HACKS: Practical tips to outlast the virus

Opal Harbert is feeling vindicated. Living on a rural property near Hauser in Mead, Wash., Harbert’s approach to life has always — and I do mean always — been reminiscent of those off-grid types.

Her kids call her a hoarder. No empty jar is tossed. Even cardboard packaging is repurposed. She grows and pickles things. Raises farm animals. Not a single eggshell finds the trash.

“I do all sorts of crazy things people think are weird,” said Harbert, who is also a black belt martial arts instructor. “But it’s just normal for me.”

Nobody’s laughing now. With virus-related isolation and store shelves looking eerily sparse, interest in DIY homestyle is suddenly skyrocketing. Opal’s practical brand of weird is in demand again, as more people stuck at home and facing reduced income look for ways to make do, cut costs, and stretch resources.

And let me tell you, Opal is Queen of Homestead Hacks. I should know; she’s my stepsister.

“Growing up outside of Kettle Falls (Washington) up in the mountains, we didn’t have power or running water, and my parents lived off the land,” she explained. “My mom would plant a huge garden and store a lot of the food we ate through winter. Even when we moved to the city, she continued doing that. My grandma — with that post-World War II conservation and home economics — I’ve learned a lot from her too. It’s just the lifestyle I grew up with.”

So to anyone interested in creative ways to conserve, look to this column for sensible advice. We’ll be sharing Opal’s Homestead Hacks on Wednesdays and Fridays, starting with one she — and other health nuts — champion: Homemade bone broth, great for the immune system (and a lot more delicious in soups than plain chicken broth).

BEAUTIFUL BONE BROTH

“When you cook chicken with the bones in them, don’t throw those bones away! Keep a bag for bones in the freezer,” she says. “Once you have enough, put them in a pot with enough water to just cover them. Throw in some garlic and bay leaves and simmer for hours, and I mean hours, on very low.

“This slow cooking process softens the bones and allows beneficial nutrients to make their way into the broth. The result is a deliciously thick and almost creamy bone broth. Super healthy and amazingly delicious! Just strain it, add your favorite veggies, and voila, immune boosting deliciousness!”

Broth also freezes well if not needed right away. And there’s no need to stop at chicken.

“I did that the other day with a ham bone, and we do it with beef too. And it’s so good for you — easy to find online all the health benefits to bone broth.”

Now remember, almost anything can be repurposed. Don’t throw those softened bones away. Ever heard of bone meal in commercial pet food? Opal’s dogs especially enjoy the bone ends and other “bits,” which she adds to their dog food.

“They love it!”