Chicken & Dumplings - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 or 7 lb. hen
Cornstarch (3 Tbsp. per bowl in 2 bowls)
2 1/4 c. sifted all purpose flour (not self-rising)
3 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
5 Tbsp. (1/3 c.) solid shortening
3/4 c. whole milk (plus or minus)

Preparation

Wash and cut up hen in frying size pieces.
Salt and pepper each piece.
Place in 5 quart pan, cover with water, and cook until thickest piece (usually the breast) \"flakes\" or separates easily with fork, approximately 1 1/2 hours.
If using a pressure cooker (Presto cooker), add water up to 3/4 of chicken; cook for 45 minutes.