CHICKEN SOUP WITH HERB DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Longer method: In a large dutch oven, cover the chicken with the water and bring to a gentle simmer. Poach the thighs about 20 mins. Remove from heat. Pull chicken out of broth. When cooled, shred the meat from the bones and set aside. Return the bones/scraps to the pot- bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and keep the heat low. Simmer for at least an hour, or several hours if you have the time. Strain stock through cheesecloth, return to the pot. Quick version: Put the broth in a large dutch oven and heat over a low flame. Pick about 2 cups worth of chicken meat from the roast. Set aside. Both versions can continue on here: 1 cup thinly sliced carrots (2 carrots) 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery (1 rib celery) 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion (2 large onions) Add to the simmering stock and start the dumplings. To make the dumplings: 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or thyme Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Quickly rub in the butter with your fingers and then add the milk and herbs. Stir. To finish: Add the onions and chicken to the soup. Raise the heat a little and drop the dumpling dough into the soup by pulling rough balls from the dough, slightly smaller than a ping-pong ball. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the cover and poke at the dumplings, which should be bopping on the surface, to turn them. Keep the soup at a steady simmer and cook another 10 minutes or so.