OLD-FASHIONED POT ROAST WITH HERB DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• 2. Trim excess fat from the chuck roast.
• 3. Dredge the roast with flour and season with salt and pepper.
• 4. Place a heavy-bottomed casserole over medium heat and add the oil.
• 5. When hot, add the meat and brown well on all sides.
• 6. Remove the meat; then add the carrots and onions and cook until browned.
• 7. Return the meat to the pot; add the stock, wine, thyme and bay leaf.
• 8. When the liquid comes to a simmer, cover the pot and place on the lower shelf of the preheated oven.
• 9. Bake for about 2 hours, turning the meat once or twice during cooking.
• 10. Toss the prepared vegetables with the olive oil or fat and season with salt and pepper.
• 11. About 40 minutes before serving, place the vegetables in a roasting pan, put in the oven and roast until they are tender and lightly browned.
• 12. When the meat is tender, remove to a platter and keep warm.
• 13. Strain the juices from the pot and skim off the fat.
• 14. Return the juices to the pot and cook over high heat until reduced to about half.
• 15. Reduce heat to a simmer; add dumplings and cook as directed.
• 16. Surround the roast with the vegetables and the dumplings.
• 17. Pour the remaining juices from the pot into a sauce boat, spoon a little over the meat before serving.
• 18. Herb Dumplings: Cut shortening into flour, herb, baking powder and salt in medium bowl, using pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until mixture looks like fine crumbs.
• 19. Stir in milk.
• 20. Drop dough by 10 spoonfuls onto stew (do not drop directly into liquid).
• 21. Cook uncovered 10 minutes.
• 22. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer.
• 23. Note: If using self-rising flour, omit baking powder and salt.