This is a very easy recipe to throw together and the taste at the end of the cooking time is exceptional. We always love our stews in winter and the weather has been so cold here lately that this is that perfect winter warm for those cold nights. As with most stews you can add what ever vegetables you like, I have listed what I added below but I sometimes vary this if I have some veg I need to use up. I just adjust when to add certain veg for the correct cooking time.

Ingredients

2 Cups carrots, chopped
2 Cups potatoes, chopped
1 Large onion, diced roughly
4 Garlic cloves, crushed
2 Bay leaves
1 Teaspoon sage
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
2lbs Chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes (I used breasts)
1(14 ounce) Can chicken broth
1 (10 3/4 ounce) Can condensed cream of chicken soup
2 Tablespoons water
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 Cup all-purpose flour
1/2 Cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fine
1/3 Cup cornmeal
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1/4 Teaspoon salt
1 Large egg, beaten
2 Tablespoons milk
2 Tablespoons butter, melted

Method

1. In a 4 or 5 quart slow cooker combine the carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, bay leaves, sage and pepper and stir to combine.

2. Place chicken on top of the vegetables.

3. In a medium bowl, gradually whisk broth into soup and pour this mixture over the chicken.

4. Cover; cook on low heat for 8-10 hours.

5. Turn slow cooker to high heat. Remove and discard bay leaves. Combine water and cornstarch and stir into stew until combined.

6. In a medium bowl combine flour, cheese, cornmeal, baking powers and salt. In a small bowl combine egg, milk and melted butter. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Stir with a fork until just moistened.

7. Use 2 spoons to drop dough directly on top of stew. Cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into dumpling comes out clean. Do not lift cover during cooking.

All photos taken by me unless otherwise stated.