PARSLEY DUMPLINGS FOR STEW, SOUP, CHOWDER, RAGOUT OR FRICASSEE

Steps:

• Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a large bowl. Add the parsley, thyme, nutmeg, cloves, and pepper. Mix well.
• Cut in the butter and add enough of the boiling water to make a stiff batter.
• Bring the stew or soup to a boil (about 2 quarts). Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter into the boiling stew or soup. Simmer for 10 minutes uncovered, then cover and cook 5 minutes more.
• Yield: About 16 to 20 dumplings; serves 6 to 8.
• NOTES AND VARIATIONS:.
• These dumplings can be varied with an infinite number of herbs and seasonings. Try some of the following combinations, or invent your own.
• 1. Omit the nutmeg and cloves, and add ½ teaspoon of sage and 2 tablespoons of grated onion.
• 2. Omit parsley, thyme, nutmeg, and cloves, and add 3 teaspoons of caraway seeds.
• 3. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of grated sharp cheese.
• 4. Substitute any other fresh herbs, such as tarragon, for the parsley.
• The Dumpling Cookbook.