In a large Stock pot combine the first nine ingredients. Bring up just to a slow simmer, cover and let cook for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir around every once in a while. Stock will be done when chicken is tender. When cool enough to handle, remove the chicken and hand shred all the meat from the bones. Strain stock through a seive, discarding vegetable pieces and any other unwanted pieces. Set aside until ready for use.
To make the soup combine the chicken stock, celery, and carrots. Bring to a low boil and let cook until vegetables are tender. Around 30 minutes. Next add the celery soup and leaves, shredded chicken meat, salt and ground pepper. Bring back to a simmer. Now is the time to adjust the salt!
Mix together the baking mix, seasoned salt, and chopped celery leaves. Add the milk into the dry ingredients, and stir together until a dough forms. Dough will be sticky. It helps to put the dough in the refrigerator for a short while and let chill somewhat. Makes it easier to handle.
Spoon drop dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Keep in mind that the dumplings will swell about twice their size as they cook. Let cook covered for 20-30 minutes until dumplings are set and fully cooked. Gently flip over halfway during the cooking time. Add additional stock if needed as the dumplings absorb some of the stock. I hope you and your family enjoy.
