Anonymous Fri Oct 07 11:07:21 2005

2-1/2 qts. cold water

1 (3-inch) square kombu (dried kelp) washed

in cold water

1 cup katsuobushi (dried bonito fish), flaked

Bring water to a boil. Add kombu. Return to boil and then remove kombu with tongs. Stir in the Katsuobushi and turn off heat. Let the katsuobushi settle to the bottom for 2 minutes.

Skim off surface scum with a large spoon. Place a double thickness of cheesecloth or a clean cloth napkin in a sieve over a large bowl. Pour the stock through and let it drain undisturbed.