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Dumplings For My Mother
How to make dumplings….
This one is for my mum, it’s her birthday today and my brother is treating us all to lunch 
Following on from an earlier post extolling the virtues of beef stew and dumplings the old bat 
asked me for the recipe so here it is:
125g/4oz plain flour 60g/2/oz shredded suet 1teaspoon baking powder pinch of salt 1 tablespoon chopped dried herbs water to bind
Sieve the flour, salt and baking powder then add the suet and the herbs. You can use dried mixed herbs if you wish, I use thyme or savory. Add enough water to make a dough, not too sticky, not too dry. Rub some plain flour into your hands then divide the mix into equal portions. Give them a quick roll but don’t overdo it, you’re not making bread. Leave them rough, I do-it suits the dish.
You can either bake them or poach them in your chosen cooking broth, just remember they will expand on cooking. I like to cook them sat on top of the dish so they take in the flavour of the cooking stock but crisp up on the outside. They’re cooked when they have a slight crust on the outside.
So there you go Mrs C. Have a happy birthday, you deserve it.
This should seal my position as favourite son, if not I’ll delete the post!
my brother is treating us all to lunch
Thud …
March 29, 2008 @ 8:24 am
Rod,
Pass the wine list!!!!!!!!!!!
Miles
March 29, 2008 @ 9:01 am
Mrs Collins,
Happy birthday and enjoy your day being spoilt by the boys.
I hope you have time to look at Miles’ blog …. it’s a wonderful thing and you must be so proud of him… and Rod as well of course although obviously not as much
Fear not dear lady, if the boys stray far from the yellow brick road, I tell them and they 
ignore mesoon get back on trackCid
March 29, 2008 @ 11:19 am
Thank you for sharing that recipe, and for the Americanized measurements. It was my generation that the “Powers That Be” decided was going to learn the Metric system. It didn’t work with us, or any subsequent generation. They only places metric has creeped into or way of life is in some fluid quantities (booze and soda) and drugs. Happy Birthday to your Mum!
March 29, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
Dave,
Bit like the bureaucrats based in Brussels who try and dictate what we put on our food labels including the measurements. As the American’s say: “If it ain’t broke don’t try and fix it”
Will pass your message on to Mrs C. thanks.
Miles
March 29, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
Cid,
Thank you so much for your kind wishes. Whilst I can keep my eyes on both channels for educational purposes, you understand, I rely on you for general support. It can be quite trickey as, no doubt, you will appreciate. All very fascinating nevertheless.
Smiley greetings and thanks again
A. C.
March 29, 2008 @ 8:24 pm
Dave,
Many thanks for your kind message. A great day all round.
I read your comments with great interest.
Kind regards
A.C.
March 29, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
Miles,
Many thanks for this great birthday present. I don’t mind not having it cooked for me to try it first, no, this way I can add my own expertise
A great post, super blog, keep up the good work and thanks again for a fantastic day.
Happy Mum
March 29, 2008 @ 8:59 pm
Let’s be nice to the “old bat.” Not only is Cid watching you and the old…er..older brother, but the AIA (Annie’s Intelligence Agency) will be on the prowl, so when you least expect it, expect it. My spooky spies are everywhere, and can strike at a moment’s notice if your mum isn’t treated well.
April 2, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Annie,
Some might say she’s treated too well!!
:)
Miles
April 2, 2008 @ 3:17 pm