Strawberry Dumplings

• sugar↗1⁄3 cup
• water↗2⁄3 cup
• vanilla extract↗1 teaspoon
• sifted all-purpose flour1 cup
• sugar↗2 tablespoons
• baking powder↗1 1⁄2 teaspoons
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• butter↗1⁄4 cup
• milk↗1⁄2 cup
• strawberry, hulled and rinsed1 pint

  about 2 cups

• sugar↗1 tablespoon

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   In a saucepan, combine 1/3 cup sugar and the water; bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Stir in vanilla extract.

4. 4

   In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, the 2 tablespoons sugar, the baking powder, and salt.

5. 5

   Cut in butter with pastry blender or fork until mixture is crumbly.

6. 6

   Add milk and stir just until dry ingredients are moistened.

7. 7

   Place strawberries in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish; pour hot sugar mixture over strawberries.

8. 8

   Immediately drop dough evenly in 8 to 10 spoonfuls over strawberries.

9. 9

   Sprinkle dumplings with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar (and a little cinnamon, if desired).

10. 10

    Bake at 450° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until dumplings are lightly browned.

11. 11

    Serve hot with whipped topping or ice cream, if desired.