Tim McGraw's Chicken and Dumplings

Those close to me know me as a pretty huge Tim McGraw fanatic. I have followed Tim and his career faithfully for a couple of decades now. While working in a music office in Nashville, Tennessee at age nineteen, one of Tim's first hits - "Don't Take The Girl" - hit country radio. I would call in almost everyday to the radio station to request this particular song be played. Then, I'd sit there at my desk balling like a baby because the lyrics were just so touching and because I just adored his voice. {Truth be told, he isn't too bad on the eyes either.} Thus began my love affair with Mr. McGraw.

 

 

Throughout the years, my husband has lovingly endured my obsession with collecting Tim memorabilia, listening to just-released albums incessantly and hunting down the perfect concert tickets online.

Following his career lead me to watch he and Faith years ago on an Oprah show appearance. They prepared this recipe. The story goes that Tim made this for Faith in the early stages of dating.

I can't tell you how many times I've made this over the years since. It has definitely become a family favorite.

From my photos, it is obvious that the dumplings in this recipe are not your typical fluffy variety. They are rolled out and cut into squares. They have just three simple ingredients - flour, shortening and buttermilk. They remind me a bit of my homemade egg noodles, but these are made into larger squares instead of skinny noodles. This really is a simple, unpretentious recipe. But, it does require a bit of time {mostly hands-off} since the recipe calls for making the broth from scratch.

It's a recipe, however, totally worth making. It is one that is quite economical and one that epitomizes the meaning of comfort food.

Serves 4 - 6.