SMOKED CHICKEN STEW WITH HERB DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Prepare a campfire or wood-fired grill for cooking with indirect heat.
• Bring the stock to a simmer in a large stockpot. Keep warm on the fire.
• Brown the bacon in a Dutch oven until lightly crisp. Remove the bacon and one-third of the fat. Add the leeks and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the celery and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the potatoes, celery root, and warm stock and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, then add the smoked chicken, salt, tarragon, and thyme. Return to a simmer. Cover and cook at a low boil until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in the parsley, bacon, and cream. Add the white pepper and additional salt to taste.
• To make the dumplings, stir the flour and baking powder together in a bowl. Stir in the salt and herbs. Beat the milk, butter, and eggs together in a bowl. Stir into the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in the cheese.
• Place the dumplings by spoonfuls on the top of the stew, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the dumplings are plump but firm. Take the cover off for the last 5 minutes if a smokier flavor is desired from the fire.
• Serve in bowls with one or two dumplings per serving.