Stew time - Smells delicious

It's a cold drizzly Sunday evening and the house smells delightful....well delightful for those of us that like a good stew. I was planning on making some Southern Chicken but didn't have time to dig out all the ingredients at the supermarket. My daughters were both invited to a party but younger daughter was feeling unwell so I had to charge home for daddy duty.

I decided to make use of my slow cooker for pure ease - I love a chuck it in and forget it meal. I started off with tossing chicken thighs in seasoned flour and browning in a pan. I then added chopped leek, carrot, onion, parsnip and swede. Next I deglazed the pan with some apple cider and chicken stock with a dash of Italian mixed herbs.

I've not had dumplings in ages so made and lobbed some of them in as well. I added a little oregano to the dough; I may try vegetable suet next time around but went straight for the comfort of beef today.

I'll end up freezing most of this pot as the wife and kids are unlikely to enjoy it. I can't wait though!