A Very Old Recipe For Dumplings, Or "knopf" Recipe

A Very Old Recipe For Dumplings, Or "Knopf"

History of the Recipe:
The recipe for dumplings, or "knopf" as it was called in the past, has a long and rich history. It is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe. Dumplings were a popular comfort food in many cultures, often enjoyed during special occasions or as a hearty meal.

Fun Facts:
- Dumplings can be found in various cuisines around the world, including Chinese, Italian, Polish, and many others.
- The word "dumpling" originated from the German word "knödel," which means a kneaded dough.
- Dumplings were traditionally made using simple ingredients that were readily available, such as flour, baking powder, butter, eggs, and milk or water.
- Aunt Sarah, who had been using this recipe for many years, had perfected the art of making delicious dumplings.

Recipe for Dumplings or "Knopf":

Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 quarts of flour
- 2-1/2 tablespoonfuls of Royal baking powder
- 1 teaspoonful of butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- Milk or water, as needed

Instructions:
1. Sift the flour and baking powder together in a large bowl.
2. Cut the butter into small bits and add it to the flour mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then add enough milk or water to make it into a soft dough.
4. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until well combined. The dough should be soft and pliable.
5. If desired, you can mold the dough into balls or you can place spoonfuls of it over the apples.
6. Aunt Sarah often substituted sour cherries for apples and added a teaspoonful of butter instead of ham and "Schnitz."
7. To cook the dumplings, you can either drop them on stewed chicken and broth and cook them, or you can steam them to make an excellent pot-pie. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the dumplings.
8. If there is leftover dough, you can bake it in the oven as biscuits. Keep in mind that more baking powder may be required when dough is steamed or boiled compared to when baked in the oven.

Variations:
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings for the dumplings. Some popular options include peaches, berries, or even savory fillings like minced meat.
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the butter and use vegetable shortening or oil instead.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk or water in the dough mixture.
- Adding herbs or spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract can add an extra depth of flavor to the dumplings.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Gnocchi: Gnocchi is an Italian dumpling made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. They are often served with various sauces or added to soups.
- Pierogi: Pierogi is a traditional Polish dumpling that can be filled with various ingredients, such as mashed potatoes, cheese, meat, or vegetables. They are typically boiled or fried and served with sour cream or butter.
- Baozi: Baozi is a type of Chinese dumpling that is steamed and filled with a variety of ingredients. They can be either sweet or savory and are often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item.

Enjoy the delicious and comforting flavors of these traditional dumplings, and don't be afraid to get creative with your fillings and seasonings!