Tempt My Tummy - Chicken and Dumplings

I made chicken and dumplings for the first time last week and LOVED it! It's the northern way (like stew with fluffy dumplings).....not southern (with only chicken and the little slippery dumplings that are more like thick noodles). I made extra broth out of the carcass as well (in the crock pot) - bonus! The recipe (and picture) I used comes from Penzey's Spices. If you have never heard of them, go visit. They have excellent recipes and spices! If you are lucky enough to have a store near by you should definitely consider going.

Chicken and Dumplings
1 fryer chicken, cut up

2 tsp. your favorite SEASONING (we used NORTHWOODS)
2 TB. canola (vegetable) oil (I didn't use oil)
3 Cups water or chicken broth
1 WHOLE BAY LEAF
1 Cup celery, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 small onion, chopped (1/2 Cup) (I used more)
1 Cup carrots, cut into small pieces
1-11/2 tsp. salt (too much for us)
1/2 tsp. PENZEYS FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER
1/3 Cup flour or chicken gravy mix
1/2 Cup water

Dumplings:
2 Cups flour (I used 1 cup wheat and 1 cup white)
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. PENZEYS FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER (I didn't use because of the kids)
2 TB. butter
1 Cup milk

Preheat oven to 375°. Place the chicken in a pan and SEASON. Bake the chicken until browned, about 30 minutes. It doesn’t need to be fully done. Remove the chicken from the bones and skin and set aside.

Place the bones and skin in a soup pot and cover with the water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add the BAY LEAF. Cook for 45 minutes.

While the stock is cooking, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Strain the stock and return to the pot.

Add the chicken, celery, onion and carrot to the pot. Add the salt and PEPPER. Simmer for 30 minutes, using a large spoon to skim off any fat that rises to the top.

Combine the flour and water and whisk to a smooth paste. Slowly drizzle into the broth, stirring continuously, until the desired consistency.

Dumplings

Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and PEPPER.

Cut in the butter and blend until you have pea-sized bits of dough. Add the milk and stir until mixed.

Drop by the teaspoon into the broth and chicken mixture. Cover and simmer until the dumplings become light and fluffy (about 10 minutes).

Check out Blessed With Grace for some more Tempt My Tummy recipes!