Wednesday, December 30, 2020 – New Year’s Eve Eve

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 – New Year’s Eve Eve

As we begin looking back to 2020 and looking forward 2021…

For Christmas Eve dinner my family and I had chicken and dumplings. They were particularly good. But have you noticed when you mention chicken and dumplings someone always says, “but they were not as good as so and so’s.” In, our family it was Nellie May Buckalew. Many say, “my Grandmother made the best ever or my Mama made the best.” Chicken and dumplings make memories that last.

While Nellie May’s dish was a family favorite, there was another lady from Magnolia who made outstandingly delicious C&D!  Here is the recipe from one of the sweetest women you would have ever meet if you attended the Magnolia Methodist Church – Faye Abney Neely.

From the 1970 Magnolia United Methodist Church Cookbook

Favorite Recipes from

The Magnolia United Methodist Church Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS)

President: Nancy Purvis

VP: Judy Levassar (?)

Secretary: Mildred Rickett

Treasurer: Inez Dupree

Faye Abney Neely’s Chicken and Dumplings

One hen or one large fryer

2 cups sifted flour

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp. baking powder

2 tbsp. shortening

2/3 to ¾ cup of milk

Cut up chicken, cover with water; add seasoning and cook until tender.

Sift together dry ingredients; cut in the shortening. Add milk to make a stiff yet rollable dough. Roll out ¼ inch thick on floured board. Cut into 1×3 inch strips. Remove chicken from broth. Drop in dumplings a few at a time, continuing until all added, then cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the chicken, which has been picked off the bones.

Thank you, Faye and to all the WSCS women. Here are a few names of contributors you might recall: Joyce Rickett, Grace Moore, Mildred Ricket (Love her recipe: Bo’s Turnips!), Betty Carraway, Nina Ricket, Louise O’Neal and of course, My Mama, Doy Duffey and many others.

Let me know if you remember/want any of their recipes.

I plan to make chicken and dumplings in the coming days. I will let you know.

Wear your mask! Stay safe! Good things are coming in 2021!