Chicken & Dumplings

Directions

1. 1
   Cover the chicken with the water in a large pot.
2. 2
   Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the chicken is completely coooked.
3. 3
   Strain and save the broth and let the chicken cool.
4. 4
   Remove the chicken meat from teh bones.
5. 5
   Discard teh skin and bones, and cut the meat into bite-size pieces.
6. 6
   Set aside.
7. 7
   Skim the chicken fat off the surface of the broth and discard.
8. 8
   To make the dumplings, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
9. 9
   Cut in the butter with a fork until well blended.
10. 10
    Mix the egg and milk together in a small bowl.
11. 11
    Add to the flour mixture and knead for a few seconds, until just mixed.
12. 12
    If the dough is sticky, add more flour.
13. 13
    Heat the broth to a simmer in the large pot.
14. 14
    Add the carrots, celery, onion, thyme, salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
15. 15
    With a large spoon pull the dumpling dough apart into rough-shaped balls the size of a walnut (do not press to form).
16. 16
    Carefully drop the dumplings into the broth.
17. 17
    Cover and reduce the heat so the broth is barely simmering.
18. 18
    Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
19. 19
    Place the cooked chicken in a large bowl and ladle the hot broth, veggies, and dumplings over teh top.
20. 20
    Serve immediately.