BLACKBERRY DUMPLIN’S

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert with a burst of berry flavor, these Blackberry Dumplin’s are the perfect solution! This old-fashioned dessert features tender dumplings cooked in a rich, sweet blackberry sauce. It’s an easy-to-make and satisfying treat that will impress any crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 quart fresh blackberries
• 2 cups white sugar (or to taste)
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 egg yolk
• 5 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Sauce
In a large saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries, sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to break down and form a sauce. This process should take around 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Dumpling Dough
While the blackberries are cooking, whisk together the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in the shortening using a knife or pastry blender until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time. Toss the mixture with a fork until it forms a dough. Be careful not to add too much milk—once the dough is moist enough to form a ball when squeezed, it’s ready.

Step 3: Shape the Dumplings
Divide the dough into two halves and shape them into small balls. For flat dumplings, roll the dough into a flat circle and cut into strips, then slice the strips into squares.

Step 4: Cook the Dumplings
Drop the dumplings (either as balls or strips) into the blackberry sauce. Cover the pan and simmer the dumplings over medium heat for about 15 minutes. You can gently push the dumplings down into the juice but avoid stirring them until they’re fully cooked to prevent them from clumping together.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:
Blackberry Dumplin’s is best enjoyed warm, straight from the stovetop. You can serve it on its own or elevate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of sweet cream. The rich berry sauce and tender dumplings make for a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Storage Tips:
To store leftover dumplin’s, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the dessert on the stovetop or microwave to maintain the softness of the dumplings and the richness of the blackberry sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it while reheating.

Freezing Tips:
For longer storage, you can freeze the blackberry dumplin’s in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Variations:

1. Mixed Berry Dumplin’s:
   Swap out the blackberries for a combination of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. This will add a variety of flavors and colors to your dessert.
2. Spiced Blackberry Dumplin’s:
   Enhance the warmth of the dish by adding a pinch of nutmeg and ground cloves along with the cinnamon. The extra spices will create a richer, more aromatic flavor.
3. Lemon Blackberry Dumplin’s:
   Add a tablespoon of lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice to the blackberry sauce. This will brighten the flavors and add a hint of tartness, which pairs well with the sweetness of the berries.
4. Buttermilk Dumplings:
   Replace the milk in the dumpling dough with buttermilk for a tangy flavor and fluffier texture.
5. Crispy Dumplings:
   For a twist, bake the dumplings separately on a baking sheet until golden brown, then serve them on top of the blackberry sauce. This will create a contrast of textures with crispy dumplings and a soft, juicy filling.
6. Blackberry Peach Dumplin’s:
   Add fresh peaches to the blackberries for a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors. This summery twist pairs well with vanilla ice cream.
7. Gluten-Free Dumplin’s:
   For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the dumpling dough. Ensure the flour blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for the right texture.
8. Blackberry Dumplin’s with Honey:
   Replace half of the sugar with honey for a natural sweetness that complements the flavor of the blackberries. This also adds a deeper, more complex flavor to the sauce.
9. Savory Blackberry Dumplin’s:
   To give a unique twist, try reducing the sugar in the dumplings and using herbs like thyme or rosemary in the sauce. This works as a side dish or a savory-sweet treat.
10. Blackberry Dumplin’s with Coconut Milk:
    Replace the milk in the dumplings with coconut milk for a subtle tropical flavor. You can also stir in some shredded coconut to the dumpling dough for added texture and flavor.
11. Berry Blend Dumplin’s:
    Mix blackberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries to create a colorful and flavorful medley.
12. Blackberry Apple Dumplin’s:
    Combine blackberries with diced apples for a sweet and tangy twist. Adjust the sugar to account for the added tartness of the apples.
13. Almond Blackberry Dumplin’s:
    Add a touch of almond extract to the dumpling dough for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the blackberries. Garnish with sliced almonds before serving.
14. Spiced Blackberry Dumplin’s:
    Incorporate additional spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice into the blackberry sauce for a more complex flavor profile.
15. Blackberry Lemon Dumplin’s:
    Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the blackberry sauce for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the sweetness of the blackberries.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the sauce.
2. How can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
   To make gluten-free dumplings, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum or guar gum to achieve the right texture.
3. Can I substitute a different type of fat for shortening in the dumplings?
   Yes, you can use butter or lard instead of shortening. This may slightly alter the flavor and texture but will still work well.
4. What if I don’t have a pastry blender to cut in the shortening?
   You can use two forks or your fingers to cut the shortening into the flour mixture. Just work quickly to avoid melting the shortening.
5. Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
   It’s best to make the dough fresh, but you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before cooking.
6. How do I prevent the dumplings from sticking together?
   Ensure that the dumplings are not overcrowded in the pan and avoid stirring them too much during cooking. Gently push them down into the sauce without stirring until they are fully cooked.
7. Can I use a different fruit for this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute blackberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or diced apples. Adjust the sugar and spices according to the fruit you use.
8. How can I make the dumplings lighter and fluffier?
   Make sure not to overmix the dumpling dough. Overmixing can result in dense dumplings. Also, be cautious with the amount of milk added—only use enough to moisten the dough.
9. Can I prepare the blackberry sauce in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the blackberry sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before adding the dumplings.
10. What can I serve with Blackberry Dumplin’s?
    Blackberry Dumplin’s is delicious on its own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream for added indulgence.