Chicken and Dumplings

1 hen, cut up

5 to 6 cups water

1 onion, chopped

5 celery stalks, cut up

1 carrot, cut up

2 sprigs parsley

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup bell pepper

1 tablespoon roux

1-1/2 cups flour

2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 eggs

1/4 cup milk

Fresh chives, chopped

Boil hen, onion, celery, carrots, bay leaf, parsley, bell pepper, salt, roux, and black pepper in 6 cups water for 1 hour. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2 hours. Remove 2 cups of liquid and set aside. Remove chicken and place in a platter. Mix 1-1/2 cups flour, 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, fresh chives should be sticky. Drop by teaspoonfuls into hot gravy. Do not stir. When cooked, teaspoon gravy over chicken.

Serves 10.