When I am deciding what to cook for dinner, I generally make the decision of what meat I feel like first and then work everything else around that. The other day I felt like a stew but wanted to do something a little different... what I ended up with was a bit of a compilation concoction but it was really great! It was definitely one of the tastiest stews I have made in a long time, and not only is it completely unique, but it has dumplings!!!! So need I even say more?!

To make the dumplings, mix all of the above listed dumpling ingredients in a bowl. You can use a fork, but personally I find hands the most effective. knead it until you end up with a nice dough like consistency. Pour some flour onto a saucer or plate so that you can coat your hands and then roll the dumpling balls... That's it! Your dumplings are ready to roll! So put them one side while we get the stew going... Slice up your sausage, and put one side. Chop up the celery, basil, garlic chives, lemon thyme and the red bell pepper. Heat up a deep pan or pot with a little olive oil. A deep pan is ideal for this as it has a wider diameter than a pot, which is better suited for the dumplings later on. Once heated, saute the celery, basil, garlic chives and the red bell pepper. Pour in your chicken stock, add the sausage slices, a little salt and pepper to taste and your carrots. pop the lid on and bring it to a medium boil. Once it has reached a consistent medium boil, add the dumpling balls and immediately put the lid back on again. After about 2 min you can drop the heat to medium to low and allow it to cook for approx. 45 min. It is REALLY important not to lift the lid during this time, as the dumplings will "flop". The second you place them in the pot, you will see how they begin to grow and opening the lid will ruin this process. And that's it! After 45 min your stew will be ready to serve :) Super easy and EXCEPTIONALLY tasty!!!! ENJOY!