Chicken Dumplings without hearts

3 1/2 pounds frying chicken 2 quarts water * 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper or less if desired 2 cups flour, all-purpose 1/2 teaspoon baking soda[...]

2 pounds chicken, whole broiler-fryer chicken to 3 lbs 2 cups water 6 each black peppercorns * 2 each bay leaves * 2 teaspoons salt 3 medium carrots peeled[...]

2 cups flour, all-purpose 1/2 teaspoon baking soda sifted 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup vegetable shortening * 1 each egg 1 cup buttermilk 1 each hen * 1/2 teaspoon[...]