Detach the Fat

Easily remove excess fat from your stock (or soup) by placing it in the refrigerator. The fat will rise to the top and clump together in a sheet that can easily be lifted off and discarded. If you can't wait for the stock to cool before using it for soups or sauces, you can also remove fat by floating clean lettuce leaves or thick paper towels on the top. Ice-cubes in a ladle or tied in a clean towel will cool the fat, solidifying it and attracting it to the ice like a magnet.