Chicken and Green Onion Cobbler
Filling
7 cups chicken stock
3 to 3-1/2 lbs. chicken breast halves, with skin and bones
1/8 tsp crushed saffron threads
2/3 cup diced carrots
2/3 cup diced celery
1 cup chopped green onions
1 cup frozen petit peas, thawed
1/4 lb. smoked ham, chopped
2/3 cup chopped onion
3 Tbsp chopped parsley
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Topping
1-1/4 cups milk
1 egg
2 Tbsp (1/4 stick) butter, melted
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp chopped parsley
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
For filling: Combine stock, chicken and saffron in heavy large pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
Transfer chicken to large bowl and cool briefly; reserve broth. Remove skin and bones from chicken. Cut chicken into 3/4-inch cubes; place in 15 x 10 x 2-inch (4-quart) glass baking dish.
Bring broth to boil. Add carrot and celery; cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to dish with chicken. Add green onions, peas, ham, onion and parsley to chicken.
Spoon fat off top of broth. Measure broth, adding more if necessary, for 6-1/2 cups. Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; stir 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in broth. Boil until thick and smooth, whisking constantly, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add to chicken. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature before continuing.)
For topping: Position rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 400º F. Whisk milk, egg and butter to blend in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls over filling. Bake cobbler until topping is firm and golden, about 35 minutes.
Serves 10
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