Chicken and Dumplings

Peel carrots and potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks along with celery; set aside.

Put the chicken, broth, cloves and bay leaves in a 4 to 5-quart heavy flameproof casserole with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer gently, partially covered, for 45 minutes.

Transfer the chicken halves to a platter. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Strain the cooking liquid into a large glass measure and spoon off the fat from the surface.

Melt the butter in the casserole. Add the onion and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tarragon and thyme; cook for 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 6 cups of the reserved chicken cooking liquid, the wine and the pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, to make a smooth, thin sauce.

Add the potatoes, carrots and celery to the sauce. Simmer over low heat, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still firm.

Meanwhile, discard the chicken skin and bones. Tear the meat into bite-size pieces and add to the vegetables. Stir in the peas and parsley. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer.

DUMPLINGS: Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Using your fingers, work in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk. Add the parsley. Stir quickly with a fork until the ingredients are just mixed.

Using a tablespoon, drop the batter into the broth to make 16 small dumplings, leaving space between them. Cover the casserole and simmer without disturbing, for 15-20 minutes. Spoon the chicken and dumplings into bowls and serve at once.