Sick Day Chicken & Dumplings

My husband has been sick 2 times in the last 2 months, I was so proud of that fact that I came out untouched each time. Looks like my luck as run out, I got up this morning and was feeling a cold coming on. You know what I speak of, the sore throat, sore eyes and the all over achy body feeling, at that very moment I knew that I was in need of some comfort food. Of course not just any comfort food will make you feel better, at least not for me. My mother has always given me chicken soup to make me feel better. I wanted to take it up a few notches and go with something comforting and hearty, my feel better dinner WINNER is chicken & dumplings.

Chicken Stock:

4 - Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
2 Q. - Water
½ C. - Sliced Celery
1 - Small Onion (chopped)
½ C. - Sliced Carrots
2 - Fresh Parsley Sprigs
1 - Bay Leaf
1 Tsp. - Salt
¼ Tsp. - Black Pepper
1 Tsp. - Johnny’s Garlic Season
1 Tbs. - Chicken Base

Dumplings:

¾ C. - Flour
1 Tbs. - Parsley
1 Tsp. - Baking Powder
¼ Tsp. - Salt
Dash - Nutmeg
1/3 C. - Milk
1 - Egg (beaten)
1 Tbs. - Oil

Gravy:

¼ C. - Flour
½ C. - Milk
¼ Tsp. - Salt
1/8 Tsp. - Pepper
1 Tsp. - Johnny’s Garlic Season

In a large stockpot combine the ingredients for the stock. Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover and simmer for 60 minutes, skimming the surface as foam rises. In a large bowl combine the dumpling ingredients, mixing just until moist. When the broth is done drop the batter onto the simmering stock, cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Do not take the lid off the pan while the dumplings are simmering, when the dumplings are done remove them to a bowl and the chicken to a cutting board. Strain the broth and discard the veggies, putting 3 cups of broth back into a soup pot bring it to a boil. (The remaining broth can be frozen for 4-6 months.) Combine the gravy ingredients until smooth and stir into the boiling broth, cook and stir until thick. Once you reach your desired thickness add back in the dumplings and the cut up chicken, simmer for about 5 minutes to just warm up the chicken and dumplings again. Serve hot and enjoy.

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