chicken and dumplings

As the days grow short, some faces grow long. But not mine.

Every autumn, when the wind turns cold and darkness

comes early, I am suddenly happy. It's time

to start making soup again. ~Leslie Newman

Mmmmm, chicken stew with dumplings is so darn comforting-- it reminds me of my dear grandma, who smelled delightfully of Carmex and cinnamon. Perhaps when I am older, I will smell like Burt's Bees and basil.

chicken and dumplings

I won't give all the nitty gritty details for a chicken soup recipe because most people have their own. For those who don't have a usual method, start by sauteing up your veggies, add broth (add extra broth if you're adding dumplings), then add cooked chicken, then toss in some fresh herbs. What I will give the recipe for, are these yummy lumps of dumpling...

herby dumplings
makes 6 dumplings (enough for 3 people)

generous 1/2 cup flour
3/4 teas baking powder
1/4 teas salt
a handful of fresh herbs (dill, parsley...whatever you'd like), or instead of herbs, use a few scallions, minced
1 1/2 Tbs chilled butter
1/3 cup milk

In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients with the herbs (or scallions). Add butter and work into the dough (using your fingers, if you like) until the butter is in pea-sized clumps. Add milk and stir into a dough.

Then, drop dough into the simmering stew using tablespoons.
Cover and simmer until dumplings are cooked (20 mins).