3 cups (750 ml) water
1 cup (250 ml) wine vinegar
1 medium onion, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 celery stalk, sliced
1 leek, trimmed and sliced, white part only (optional)
3 fennel stalks, sliced (optional)
1 sprig of fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) dried thyme
2 tbs (30 ml) salt
8 white peppercorns
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes. Strain and reserve the liquid.
Makes about 4 cups (1 L).