OLD FASHIONED FRIED CHICKEN RECIPES

Steps:

• Using a pastry blender, cut the shortening into the flour until it is mealy; add chives. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill until needed.
• In a large soup pot, add the chicken and top with celery, onion, carrots, chicken stock, chicken base, salt, pepper, rosemary and thyme. Stir to mix well. Place over medium high heat and bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and cook about 30 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink. 
• Strain the stock into another container if desired, returning the broth back to the pot. Cut up the larger chunks of chicken and cut up, returning them to the broth.
• In a separate pan, heat the bacon fat over medium high heat until melted. Whisk in the 3 tablespoons of all purpose flour. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture is bubbly and smooth. Remove from the heat.
• Scoop out 1/2 cup of the broth from the chicken pot and slowly add to the roux - be careful because it will steam up right away and can easily burn you. Immediately turn the burner down to a medium low simmer and return the pot to the burner; add additional broth, 1/2 cup at a time for a total of 2 cups, stirring constantly until the liquid has been fully incorporated. Add 1/2 cup of milk to roux and blend in.
• Add the peas, if using, and the roux mixture into the hot stock, stirring in well. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer.
• Retrieve the flour and chive mixture from the fridge, stir in 3/4 cup of milk. Using a cookie scoop, drop scoops of dough into the simmering liquid until all of the dumpling dough has been added. Cover immediately, so that the dumplings begin to steam; simmer on low about 10 minutes before checking.
• When they are fluffy, insert a toothpick to see if they are done. If not, allow to low simmer until done, without disturbing the dumplings. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Carefully scoop broth and a few dumplings into individual serving bowls.

Steps:

• For the stock, place chicken in a large stockpot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, skim off foam, and add celery, onion, carrots and salt. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
• Remove the chicken and set aside to cool. Once cooled enough to handle, remove the meat tearing into bite sized pieces and discard the bones and skin. Strain but reserve the broth, discarding the vegetables. Return the stock to the pot.
• For the stew, add the chopped onion, carrots and celery to the stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add the chicken base, pepper, poultry seasoning and thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes.
• Add the mushrooms and noodles. Combine the evaporated milk and cornstarch to make a slurry; stir in. Bring up to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for another 15 minutes.
• Add the shredded chicken to the pot, simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes or until chicken is warmed through, noodles are tender and sauce is thickened.
• Taste and adjust salt as needed.
• May be left on a low simmer to reach desired thickness if stirred occasionally, which is what I usually do.