Ginas Favorite Dumplings Recipes

MAKEOVER MOM'S APPLE DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• For syrup, in a small saucepan, bring the water, sugar, sugar substitute, cinnamon and nutmeg to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; add butter and food coloring if desired. Stir until butter is melted. Pour into an 11x7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray; set aside., For dumplings, in a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; cut in butter until crumbly. Gently stir in oil. Gradually add milk, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Shape into a log. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Combine 1 teaspoon sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; set aside. , Divide dough into six portions (return five portions to the refrigerator until ready to use). On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion into a 6-in. square. Place an apple in the center; sprinkle with about 1/4 teaspoon reserved spice mixture. Bring up corners of pastry to center and pinch edges to seal. , Place dumpling in syrup in baking dish. Repeat with remaining pastry, apples and spice mixture. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 375° for 35 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and apples are tender. Serve warm with half-and-half.

MOM'S SIMPLE DUMPLINGS

Steps:

• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in the shortening with a knife or pastry blender until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir the milk into the flour mixture until moistened. Dough will be pretty lumpy, but be sure to not over mix it!
• Drop dough by large spoonfuls onto any boiling stew. The dumplings should rest on top of vegetables and meat; it's okay if they stick out of the top a bit. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes; cover and cook another 10 minutes.