A savory jelly, aspic can be made from a variety of stocks, including veal, pork, chicken, beef and fish. Once chilled, the natural gelatin in the bones sets, forming a clear jelly. Aspic can be eaten on its own, or it can be combined with other ingredients, such as cooked meats, vegetables or sauces. Making aspic at home isn’t difficult, but it requires some technique to suspend any ingredients, as well as ensure that the stock is as clean as possible, which keeps the aspic clear.

To make the stock for aspic, you need a selection of cleaned bones that have plenty of tendons, also known as cartilage. Knuckle bones or chicken feet are good choices, as they have minimal fat and meat and are rich in tendons that break down during boiling. The tendons are what help aspic solidify, turning into the clear gelatin. Seasoning the stock is key, so herbs, such as thyme and parsley, as well as onion, carrots and celery are often used to flavor the stock. You'll need to boil the stock for several hours.

To ensure the finished aspic is clear, with no cloudiness or bits of meat or vegetables from the stock, strain the finished stock through cheesecloth a few times to remove any large pieces. To further clarify the stock, beat egg whites into the stock and bring the stock back up to a gentle simmer before straining the stock one last time. The egg whites will cling to any small particles, leaving you with a clear stock. Allow the stock to cool completely, and then remove all of the fat that has solidified at the top.

If your stock does not create a strong enough jelly -- too much water or not enough cartilage -- you may need to add in clear, unflavored gelatin to stiffen the stock. Do so while the stock is still warm, and then chill to test the strength of the aspic. When the consistency is right, mix in any ingredients you need for your aspic -- cooked, chopped meats, cubed vegetables and vegetable juices -- and let it set in the refrigerator overnight. To unmold the finished aspic, carefully dip the aspic container in hot water, and let it sit for two seconds. This melts the outer layer of the aspic, loosening it from the mold and making it easier to remove the aspic without damage.

Aspic was traditionally used to cover pates, forming a clear, protective coating. It is also the primary ingredient in headcheese, a traditional deli meat commonly eaten in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Ideally, aspic should be served thinly sliced, so that when it touches your tongue, the heat from your mouth melts the aspic, creating a warm broth. Aspic is also used to make garnishes and condiments. Mixed with vegetable juices, such as tomato juice, and alcohol and vinegar, aspic makes for a new twist on a traditional pickle. You can serve aspic thinly sliced on crackers, as an entire mold or as sliced cold cuts.