Chicken & Dumplings

**bullmama** · 02-16-2011, 07:11 PM

1 whole chicken
1 large onion
6 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

for the dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk

other:
7 tablespoons butter
10 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 teaspoons essence, (recipe follows)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3 ribs celery cut in 1/2-inch pieces on the diagonal
4 carrots peeled and cut in 1/2-inch pieces on the diagonal 1 large onion cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
Salt and fresh ground pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

1 Cut chicken backs, necks, and wings into 1-inch pieces.
2 For the broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken, onions, water, bay leaves, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until the chicken is tender. (About 45 minutes) Remove the chicken pieces and set aside. Discard the chicken backs, necks, and wings. When the chicken pieces have cooled, remove the meat from the bones in chunks and set aside. Discard the skin and bones. Strain the broth and discard the vegetables.

3 Prepare the dumplings: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together. In a small saucepan over low heat, bring the butter and milk to a simmer. Stir the butter and milk mixture into the dry ingredients with a fork and stir until the mixture just comes together. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into long 1-inch wide strips. Transfer to a large plate or baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.

4 In the cleaned Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden-brown, 3-4 minutes. While whisking, add the wine, the reserved chicken broth, Essence, and thyme. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes, then add the celery, carrots, and onion. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 15 minutes. Add the reserved chicken meat, heavy cream, and peas. Season with salt (if necessary), and add black pepper to taste.

5 Place the dumplings on top of the chicken mixture and gently stir into the hot liquid. Cover and simmer until the dumplings are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Gently stir in the parsley. Serve in large soup bowls.

**bullmama** · 02-16-2011, 07:14 PM

I usually add a LOT more Essence, and I also double the dumplings.

Essence: (creole seasoning)

2.5 Tbs paprika
2 Tbs salt
2 Tbs garlic powder
1 Tbs black pepper
1 Tbs onion powder
1 Tbs cayenne pepper
1 Tbs dried oregano
1 Tbs dried thyme