Dear Crockpot...

...I have missed you! Why did I stop using my crockpot? It is only the BEST invention ever. I cannot tell you how many times I eat something boring for dinner because after a long day I just don't feel like cooking. The crockpot solves all that! I can throw something in hours before dinner time and when I walk in the door the entire apartment smells like delicious food! I made Eat Clean Chicken and Dumpling Soup (thank you graciouspantry.com!) It turned out REALLY good. The dumplings were kind doughy and so soft. YUM!

Clean Eating Chicken And Dumplings
(Makes approximately 5 quarts)

Stew Ingredients
6 cups chicken broth (no sugar/dextrose added)
1 tbsp. marjoram
1 tbsp.. garlic powder
1 tbsp. celery seed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into small chunks
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion – peeled and diced
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
4 stalks celery, cleaned and sliced

Dumpling Ingredients
(This is a recipe redo. Find the original here.)
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 tbsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 cup unsweetened soy milk (you can use regular milk instead.)

STEW DIRECTIONS

Step 1 – Pour the broth into your crock pot (or into a large soup pot if cooking on a stove top)

Step 2 – Add the marjoram and garlic powder to the broth and turn the crock pot to high (stove top, bring to a slow boil)

Step 3 – In a pan, combine the olive oil, onion, carrots, celery and celery seed . Saute until the onions are translucent.

Step 4 – Add the veggies and cut up chicken to the crock pot (or soup pot).

DUMPLING DIRECTIONS

Step 1 – In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Whisk to blend well.

Step 2 – Pour in the oil and milk and mix with a wooden spoon.

Step 3 – (Be sure the broth is hot before adding the dumplings to the pot) Using two teaspoons, scoop up and round off your dumplings and scrap into your pot. (Just like making drop cookies)

STOVE TOP – Boil until the dumplings and chicken are cooked.

CROCK POT – I cooked this on high for about 3-1/2 hours. But if you need to cook it longer because you are leaving for the day (or cooking overnight), turn the crock pot to the lowest setting and cook until the dumplings and chicken are cooked through.