Homemade Southern Style Chicken and Dumplings

INGREDIENTS

large (4 to 6 pounds) chicken or hen

Water to cover

whole celery rib with leaves , rinsed and cut into large chunks

large carrot , unpeeled, rinsed and cut into large chunks

medium onion , unpeeled and quartered

sprigs of fresh parsley

bay leaf

1/2 tbsp

kosher salt

2 cups

all purpose flour

1/2 tsp

baking powder

1/8 tsp

poultry seasoning

1/2 tsp

kosher salt

1/4 tsp

freshly cracked black pepper

1/3 cup

lard or vegetable shortening

1 cup

buttermilk

6 tbsp

butter

1/2 cup

all purpose flour

1 cup

milk

2 qt

the reserved chicken stock

to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt , or to taste

1/4

to 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper , or to taste

1/4 tsp

garlic powder , or to taste, optional

1 tbsp

chicken base (like Better Than Bouillon )

4 cups

the reserved chicken , torn into large pieces