Removing Fat From Cooked Meats and Sauces

There is an easy method for removing fat from homemade stock. After boiling your meat, allow it to cool slightly, pour it into a zip-top plastic freezer bag. Refrigerate the bag for 15-20 minutes. This allows the fat to rise to the top. Hold your bag over a large bowl and snip one corner from the bottom of the bag, letting the stock pour into the bowl. When you get to the layer of fat, pinch the corner shut and throw away the bag, fat and all.

Another simple way to remove fat from dishes such as chili or spaghetti sauce is to let the sauce cool slightly allowing the fat to rise to the top. You can lay a slice of bread on top of the sauce and allow it to collect the fat or you can lay a paper towel over the top and receive the same results.