Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, place the chicken and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 1 hour. Remove chicken from pot and let cool. Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add milk and mix until dough forms.
3. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough into small squares and set aside.
4. In the same pot used to cook the chicken, sauté carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over medium heat until tender. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Drop dough squares into the boiling broth, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken and let cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.