What I learned while at the Farmers Market

We went to the Virginia Beach farmers market this weekend.  I had a list mile long of items to pick up, but first we were all starving!  We happened upon the Princess Anne County Grill.  They have a daily blue plate special that is only $5.99.  On this particular day it was Chicken and Dumplings.  Oh My, was it wonderful!!  The dumplings were scrumptious and the chicken was so tender.  If I had enough room left I would have eaten another bowl!  This inspired me to try and make my own version.

{Insert photo here once I find my SD card.}


INGREDIENTS:
Chicken
4 pounds whole frying chicken
2 quarts water
2 teaspoons salt
1 bay leaf
2 stalks celery
2 medium carrots
1 medium onion, quartered
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dumplings
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup buttermilk

PREPARATION:

Place chicken in a Dutch oven. Add celery, carrots, bay leaf, onion, salt, and water. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 1 hour or until tender (should almost fall off bone). Remove the chicken and vegetables from the broth.  Discard the vegetables and allow the chicken to cool. Bone the chicken and cut meat into bite-sized pieces (try to keep the chicken in nice big chunks). Bring the broth to a boil and add pepper.

For Dumplings: Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the shortening. Add the buttermilk, stirring with a fork until moistened. Pinch off pieces and add to boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will see the broth start to thicken. Stir in the chicken and serve.