My Alabama friend

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken and Broth:**
– In a large pot, place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf. Cover with chicken broth and bring to a boil.
– Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
– Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and bones.
– Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat and discard the bones.

2. **Make the Dumplings:**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
– In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough should be thick but spoonable.

3. **Combine Everything:**
– Bring the strained broth back to a simmer in the pot. Add the shredded chicken and stir.
– Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’ve doubled in size and are fully cooked through.

4. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Once the dumplings are ready, serve the chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
– Enjoy with a side of cornbread or collard greens, and savor the warmth and comfort of a true Southern dish.

#### The True Meaning of Southern Cooking

What I’ve learned from my Alabama friend is that Southern cooking is more than just about the food—it’s about preserving tradition, creating memories, and celebrating the bonds that unite us all. Every dish has a story, and every meal shared is a moment of connection. My time in Alabama with my friend opened my eyes to the power of food as a way to express love and care, and I’m incredibly grateful for that experience.

The Chicken and Dumplings recipe my friend shared with me is a perfect example of this philosophy—simple, hearty, and full of heart. It’s a dish that brings families together, creates lasting memories, and makes you feel like you’re truly part of something special. Just like the people of Alabama, this dish is full of warmth and generosity.

#### Conclusion

Spending time with my Alabama friend and experiencing the joy of Southern cooking left a lasting impression on me. It was a reminder that some of the best things in life come from sharing good food with good company. Whether you’re in Alabama or anywhere else, the spirit of Southern hospitality and cooking can bring people closer together and transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting meal to share with loved ones, consider making this Chicken and Dumplings recipe. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of family, tradition, and the kind of hospitality that only the South can offer.