New Southern Chicken and Herb Dumplings

Name: New Southern Chicken and Herb Dumplings
Yield: serves 4 to 6
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 2 pounds); 6 cups chicken stock (page 227) or low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth; Bouquet garni (3 sprigs of parsley, 2 sprigs of thyme, 1 bay leaf, preferably fresh, 6 black peppercorns,tied together in cheesecloth); 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 1/2 ounce), plus more for garnish; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup whole milk; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 1 onion, preferably Vidalia, chopped; 3 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch rounds; 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 10 ounces fresh baby spinach; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

December 9, 2011

Several years ago, my sister was involved in a very serious accident and nearly died. It was perhaps the most pure, absolute fear I had ever felt in my entire life. Mama and I were only allowed to see her twice a day. One morning early on, when our grief and worry were still overriding any desire to eat, a group of ladies came to the hospital and set up lunch. The volunteer explained that several of the local churches provided lunch and supper for the families of patients. It was real food, made with love and care. Pimento cheese sandwiches and individual slices of pound cake were hand-wrapped in waxed paper and homemade yeast rolls were delivered while still warm, shiny with butter. There were hunks of meaty pot roast bathed in dark brown gravy and a comforting combination of tender chicken and dumplings. The food was amazing. It was restorative, as much for the delicious taste as the real caring and kindness. It was without a doubt the most rewarding, healing love I have ever felt from absolute strangers.

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