The Best Chicken and Dumplings

   Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food in my world. I remember a time when I was little that I did not like them at all, I think I had a problem with soups in general, but now I don't want to go without them in winter. My mom still makes the best pot out there but I have finally gotten my process down to where it is almost the same. The first winter we were married I tried to make my first pot all on my own. I followed Mom's directions but they turned out runny and not enough dumplings. Hubby was a trooper though and ate them with a smile, he's so sweet. I have made many batches since and they each got better, the last two though have been my best yet.

Roasted Chicken and What to do With Leftovers

There are a lot of different things to do with a whole chicken, it can serve as multiple meals for two people.  

I start with roasting the whole bird. There is something so comforting about the smell of it cooking and eating a fresh leg.

Make sure your bird is thawed. Rinse with water and make sure there isn’t anything in the cavity. I like to cut off the fat and skin that cover the cavities so that it doesn’t make a nasty fat layer.  Pat the chicken and make sure it is very dry.