comfort food essentials: dumpling, dumpling soup

How To Make comfort food essentials: dumpling, dumpling soup

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  When making these dumplings, I like them salty, with a few spices, and peppery. So, of the additional spices listed, I will throw in some celery salt, salt, white pepper, and a few pinches of whatever I am in the mood for.
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  Step 3
  These dumplings can be frozen and cooked at a later time. Just get to the point in the recipe where you cut them into squares and dust with flour. Then, wrap and freeze. When needed just drop the frozen dumplings into the boiling broth.
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  Step 4
  You could, of course, add other things like veggies, chicken, beef; even fish. Me... I just want dumplings.
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  Step 5
  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Step 6
  Add the chicken stock to a pot over medium-low heat, and allow to warm up (not boil), while the dumplings are prepared.
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  Step 7
  Combine the flour and baking powder in a small bowl.
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  Step 8
  Chef’s Note: Add any additional spices into the flour mix, and blend, before adding the butter, and milk.
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  Step 9
  Then use a fork, pastry blender, or your fingers to combine the butter with the flour (I use my fingers).
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  Step 10
  Chef’s Note: In some recipes (like biscuits), it is important to keep all the ingredients cold; however, since these dumplings are going into a hot stock, it is not necessary.
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  Step 11
  Add the milk and mix to combine.
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  Step 12
  Place the dough mixture (it will be sticky) onto a clean floured surface, and dust with more flour.
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  Step 13
  Knead the dough a few times, cover with a clean towel, and let rest for 15 – 20 minutes.
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  Step 14
  Chef’s Note: If the dough is still sticky, add flour a bit at a time, until smooth and elastic.
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  Step 15
  Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch (0.6cm).
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  Step 16
  Use a knife or pizza cutter, to cut them into rough squares.
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  Step 17
  Chef’s Note: Do not be perfect… this is a rustic dish.
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  Step 18
  After cutting, dust them with more flour.
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  Step 19
  Chef’s Tip: The additional flour will help to thicken the stock, as they cook.
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  Step 20
  Bring the stock up to the boil and add a few dumplings at a time (to prevent them from sticking).
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  Step 21
  Continue to stir until the dumplings are cooked through, 15 – 20 minutes.
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  Step 22
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 23
  Tuck into a nice big bowl of comfort. Enjoy.
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  Step 24
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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