If you're new, you might want to start at the beginning of these letters.
The Ninth of Covaris, 468th Year of the Empire
My Dearest Readers,
Caprea was not what she appeared to be. The "tasty" runes on her pie were but a ruse. All of us, save Selenar (I believe their elvish heritage protected them somewhat), succumbed to a great drowsiness. From what I gather, Ishael tried to woo the witch even as she fell asleep. Selenar used deception and was able to feign unconsciousness as the witch prepared the final pieces of her trap.
As Caprea left the room, Selenar leapt into action, reviving Aliasbe and Dathor first, then Ishael. They neglected to revive me at first, I'm sure because the timing did not allow. If I had been awake for the battle, I am positive my companions would have valued my contribution to the encounter.
As Ishael recounts the scuffle, Dathor and Aliasbe were able to defend from Caprea's attacks as Selenar blasted the woman with holy light from their staff. Ishael claims that her taunts and insults were of aid as well, and after being on the wrong end of her cutting words, I have no doubt. After Caprea's defeat, they woke me and we searched the house. In the basement we found evidence of sacrifices to the witch's dark god and a young man of no more than 20 summers caged. I assume he was to be the next sacrifice.
He was a stonemason's apprentice named Aethel. A kindly young man with a handsome face, he was all too grateful for our rescue. We procured a few trinkets, some gold, and I ransacked the cupboards to restock my spices. Better free than whatever exorbitant cost a trader would force upon me.
Aethel journeyed with us to Dawnmaw and led us to his home. His mother was very glad to see him returned safely. She thought he was off training with the Master Stonemason the previous day. So glad she was that we returned her son to her, she offered us bed and board for the night. I was reluctant at first- wanting to stay at a finer establishment- that was, until I spied her well stocked kitchen and an aromatic bubbling pot above the fire. Any qualms I had were dissolved once she informed me that it was her family's recipe for Chicken and Dumplings.
She refused to part with the recipe, but I had Ishael "convince" the young apprentice to grant me access to his mother's cookbook late at night. Ishael can be quite convincing when she wants to. I hope you enjoy this scrumptious dish as much as we did.
The Venton Family's Secret Chicken & Dumplings
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups finely ground and sifted flour
- 1 tablespoon soda ash
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- The Secret Ingredients:
- A pinch of Stardust Spice (harvested from the Stardust flower that grows near Dawnmaw and is a fascinating thing to behold. Looking into the flower at the right angle looks as if you are looking at the expanse of the heavens at midnight. It literally made the flavors dance across my tongue in a delightfully enchanted way)
- A sprinkle of Pixie Flour (not harvested from actual Pixies! This is imported from the southern forest of the empire from the Pixie Fruit- it's shape and resemblance to a pixie is the reason for the name. This fruit is dried and ground into a fine flour. Sprinkling this onto your stews will cause it to thicken and hold the flavors).
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, diced onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
2. Reduce the heat to simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30-40 minutes. Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside to cool.
3. While the chicken cools, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of Stardust Spice. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingers to mix the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring, until a soft dough forms.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into small squares or desired shapes.
5. Return the pot to a simmer and carefully drop the dumplings into the broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and fluffy.
6. While the dumplings cook, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones or skin that remain. Add in Pixie Flour to thicken and enhance to your liking.
7. Once the dumplings are cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the shredded chicken. Simmer for a few more minutes to heat the chicken through. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Indulge in this extraordinary rendition of Chicken & Dumplings, elevated by the mystical essence of Stardust Spice and the magic of Pixie Flour. The flavors will transport you to a realm of wonder and delight, making this dish truly worthy of my culinary prowess.
Delightfully Yours,
Hathor Rophine
PS- if you enjoy these letters, and want them to continue, I encourage you to toss a few coins to this enchantment to keep them coming.
Comments
Post a Comment