Chicken And Fluffy Dumplings - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 lbs roasting chickens, cut up
4 - 4 1/2 cups water
5 stalks celery, cut up
1 cup carrot, sliced
3 sprigs fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
4 peppercorns
2 teaspoons salt
DUMPLINGS
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon minced parsley
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons oil or 2 tablespoons melted shortening
1 egg, slightly beaten
GRAVY
1 cup water
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large pot.
Simmer covered, 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until chicken is tender.
Skim off fat.
DUMPLINGS.
Combine dry ingredients.
Stir in remaining ingredients.
Drop by tablespoonfuls onto hot chicken and boiling stock.
Cover tightly and return to boiling.
Reduce heat to a simmer, Do Not Lift Cover.
Simmer 12 to 15 minutes or until dumplings are dry and fluffy.
Arrange dumplings and chicken on a platter.
Strain broth.
GRAVY.
Combine flour and water, blend till smooth.
Bring 4 cups reserved broth to boiling, add flour mixture.
Bring to boil and cook till thickened.
Add salt and pepper.
Pour over chicken and dumplings.