Chicken Fricassee With Dumplings

Directions

1. 1

   Place the bay leaf, peppercorns and cloves on a double thickness of cheesecloth; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag. Set aside. In a large resealable bag, combine flour, salt and marjoram. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time, and shake to coat.
2. 2

   In a Dutch oven, brown chicken in butter in batches. Remove and keep warm. In the drippings, saute the carrots, onions and celery for 5-6 minutes or until onions begin to brown.
3. 3

   Stir in the broth, water and spice bag. Bring to a boil; add chicken. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 40 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Discard spice bag.
4. 4

   For dumplings, in a small bowl, combine biscuit mix and chives. Combine egg and milk; add to biscuit mix just until moistened. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto simmering chicken mixture. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted into dumplings comes out clean.
5. 5

   Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove chicken and dumplings; keep warm. Combine flour and cream until smooth; stir into cooking juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with chicken and dumplings.