Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. This feast allows us to renew our vows to our marriage and our family. It encourages us to model our lives like Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
So for this feast day, you should have your whole family help in making a meal. Put away your cell phones, tablets, laptops, computers and such. Sit down with your family and enjoy a meal together without any distractions. Say a prayer dedicating your family to the holy family. Also say a prayer for all families in hopes that they too can model themselves after the holy family.
Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients:
1 (2 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 large onion, chopped
2 bay leaves
2 chicken bouillon cubes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can of flaky layer biscuits
Directions:
Place the chicken, onion, bay leaves, and bouillon, in a large pot. Add 4 quarts of water, simmer over medium heat. Simmer the chicken until it is tender and no longer pink, about 40 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pot and, when it is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and separate the meat from the bones. Return the chicken meat to the pot. Keep warm over low heat.
Add the cream of chicken soup to the pot with the chicken and simmer gently over medium-low heat.
To prepare the dumplings: Mix the flour with the salt and pepper in a shallow bowl or plate. Take each biscuit and tear into three layers. Dip each layer into the flour mixture. (both sides) Cut each layer into three pieces. I used my pizza cutter. You could use a knife or just tear them for a more rustic looking dumpling.
Do NOT stir the pot once the dumplings have been added, or they will dissolve. Gently push the pieces of dough down into the broth. Gently move the pot in a circular motion so the dumplings become submerged and cook evenly. Cook until the dumplings are no longer doughy, about 10 minutes.
To serve, ladle chicken, gravy, and dumplings into warm bowls.
Peace be with you,
Veronica
