Marys Chicken And Dumplings Food

MRS. CRIBBS'S CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine the chicken legs with the large chunks of carrot and celery, half of the chopped onions and the water. Simmer over moderate heat until the chicken legs are cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Let cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bones and let cool. Strain the chicken broth and discard the vegetables.
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour with 1 cup of the chicken broth, adding a little of the fat from the broth; stir to form a stiff dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth. Wrap the dumpling dough in plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• 3.Cut the dough into quarters. Working with 1 piece at a time, roll out the dough a scant 1/4 inch thick on a very lightly floured work surface. Cut the dough into 3-inch-wide strips and transfer to a sheet of wax paper. Working on the paper, cut each strip crosswise into 1-inch-thick dumplings and transfer the paper to a baking sheet; do not separate the dumplings. Repeat with the remaining dough, stacking each layer on the baking sheet. Freeze the dumplings until solid, at least 4 hours and preferably overnight.
• In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, combine the sliced carrots and celery and the remaining chopped onion with 4 cups of the broth and bring to a boil. Season well with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are just tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the cooked chicken and return to a boil.
• Separate the frozen dumplings and add them to the simmering broth a few at a time, submerging them in the broth. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook until the dumplings are tender, about 15 minutes; tuck the dumplings into the broth occasionally.
• Spoon the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve.
• MAKE AHEAD The recipe can be prepared through Step 3 up to 3 days ahead. Refrigerate the broth and the chicken; keep the dumplings frozen.

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• For the Stew:
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
• Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just smoking.
• Add half of the chicken and cook until golden on both sides, about 10 minutes.
• Transfer the chicken to a plate and remove the browned skin.
• Pour off the chicken fat and reserve. Return the pot to medium-high heat and repeat with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and the remaining chicken. Pour off and reserve any chicken fat.
• Add the butter to the Dutch oven and melt over medium-high heat.
• Add the carrots, celery, onion, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
• Stir in the flour.
• Whisk in the sherry, scraping up any browned bits.
• Stir in the broth, milk, thyme, and bay leaves.
• Nestle the chicken, with any accumulated juices, into the pot.
• Cover and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 1 hour.
• Transfer the chicken to a cutting board.
• Discard the bay leaves. Allow the sauce to settle for a few minutes, then skim the fat from the surface using a wide spoon.
• Shred the chicken,(using two forks), discarding the bones, then return it to the stew.
• For the Dumplings:
• Stir the flour, baking powder, and salt together.
• Microwave the milk and fat in a microwave-safe bowl on high until just warm (do not over-heat), about 1 minute.
• Stir the warmed milk mixture into the flour mixture with a wooden spoon until incorporated and smooth.
• Return the stew to a simmer, stir in the peas and parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
• Drop golf-ball-sized dumplings over the top of the stew, about 1/4 inch apart (you should have about 18 dumplings).
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the dumplings have doubled in size, 15 to 18 minutes.
• Serve.