Almost every cuisine in the world has its version of dumpling from French quenelles, Italian gnocchi, Chinese dumplings or the southern classic Chicken and Dumplings. Try this easy chicken soup with spoonfuls of dough dropped in for a heartier meal.

Chicken Soup with Dumplings

1 fresh whole chicken
6 cups chicken broth - divided use
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup chicken broth

1. In a stockpot, combine chicken with 6 cups chicken broth and simmer until chicken is tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Drain, strain broth and debone chicken.
2. Return broth and meat to stockpot and season with poultry seasoning, salt and pepper.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and remaining chicken broth.
4. Drop dough by spoonfuls into boiling soup and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked thoroughly. Dumplings will be cooked when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve hot.

Makes 8 servings.