Heavenly Blueberry Dumplings with Creamy Topping

Blueberry Dumplings Recipe: A Sweet Summer Delight

One of the fondest memories from my childhood is the joy of picking wild blueberries with my siblings during our family camping trips in the enchanting landscapes of northern Ontario. The highlight of these adventures was always the delightful blueberry dumplings my mother would lovingly prepare for us, their sweet aroma wafting through the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia. Today, I am thrilled to share with you a refined version of this cherished dish, adapted from the brilliant Jim Dodge, the Food & Beverage Manager at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. This modern interpretation elevates the humble dumpling into a luxurious treat that’s sure to impress both friends and family alike. Whether you are using fresh wild blueberries, cultivated berries, or even frozen blueberries and Saskatoons, this recipe promises a deliciously sweet experience. Serve your blueberry dumplings warm, topped with luscious crème fraîche or whipped cream, for an indulgent dessert that evokes the essence of summer.

Recipe Overview

Keywords

• Berries
• Fruit
• Low Protein
• Kid Friendly
• Summer
• Sweet
• < 60 Mins
• Oven
• Easy
• Inexpensive

Ingredients

To create these delightful blueberry dumplings, you will need the following ingredients:

Nutritional Information

For each serving of blueberry dumplings, here’s the nutritional breakdown:

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to prepare your delicious blueberry dumplings:

1. Prepare the Filling: Start by adjusting your oven rack to the lowest level, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for evenly cooking the blueberry filling while ensuring that your dumplings rise perfectly.

2. Wash the Blueberries: Rinse the fresh blueberries thoroughly in a bowl filled with cold water, ensuring that you remove any leaves, stems, or debris. Drain the blueberries well and set them aside.

3. Create the Syrup: In a 2 ½ to 3-quart casserole dish that has a tight-fitting lid, combine the sugar and water. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar is completely dissolved, forming a sweet syrup that will enhance the blueberries’ natural sweetness.

4. Add the Berries: Gently fold the washed blueberries into the syrup mixture. Once incorporated, cover the casserole with its lid, sealing in the moisture that will help the blueberries release their delicious juices while baking.

5. Bake the Filling: Place the casserole on the lower rack of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, the filling should begin to bubble and emit steam, indicating that it is on its way to perfection.

6. Prepare the Dumpling Batter: While the blueberry filling is baking, focus on preparing the dumpling batter. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt, mixing well to ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

7. Warm the Milk and Butter: In a small saucepan, pour the milk and add the unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Place the saucepan over moderate heat and warm the mixture gently until the milk is warm and the butter is nearly melted. Be careful not to boil it; you want a warm, comforting mixture that will enhance your batter.

8. Combine Mixtures: Once the milk and butter are warmed, turn off the heat but leave the saucepan on the burner to keep the mixture warm. Using a fork, carefully stir the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture, mixing only until the milk is absorbed. The batter should appear lumpy and slightly under-mixed, which is perfect for creating light and fluffy dumplings.

9. Form the Dumplings: When the blueberry filling has finished baking, remove the casserole from the oven without lifting the lid. Using two large oval soup spoons, drop generous spoonfuls of the batter on top of the bubbling blueberry mixture. Start by creating a circular pattern around the edge and gradually fill in the center, being careful not to disturb the filling beneath.

10. Bake the Dumplings: Once the batter is added, return the lid to the casserole and place it back into the oven. Allow the dumplings to bake for an additional 15 minutes. It’s essential not to remove the lid during this time, as the steam trapped inside will help the dumplings rise beautifully.

11. Cool Before Serving: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Lift the lid and allow the blueberry dumplings to cool for about 15 minutes. This resting period is crucial for letting the flavors meld together and ensuring that the dumplings set properly.

12. Prepare the Topping: While the dumplings are cooling, take the crème fraîche (or whipping cream) and whip it until it thickens slightly, creating a luxurious topping that complements the sweetness of the blueberries.

13. Serve and Enjoy: To serve, use a ladle or a deep spoon to spoon generous portions of the blueberry dumplings into deep bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of crème fraîche or whipped cream, allowing the rich flavors to meld beautifully with the sweet, juicy blueberry filling beneath. Enjoy this delightful dessert warm and relish the memories of summers past.

Conclusion

These blueberry dumplings, reminiscent of childhood summers filled with adventure and joy, are a perfect dessert for any occasion. They are incredibly versatile and can be made with different types of berries, making them suitable for any season. The combination of tender dumplings nestled in a sweet blueberry filling, topped with rich cream, creates an experience that is sure to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, follow this simple yet elaborate recipe, and indulge in a slice of nostalgia that’s both easy to make and wonderfully satisfying. Enjoy every sweet moment!

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