Classic Caramel Dumplings (Starla Tite Harris)

By LADONMANK

Ingredients

• PECANS
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• CARAMEL SAUCE
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups hot water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• DUMPLINGS
• 1 cup Martha White® Self-Rising Flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/3 cup milk
• TOPPING
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped, sweetened

Preparation

Step 1

1. HEAT oven to 350ºF. Combine 1 tablespoon butter, pecans and coarse salt in small bowl; mix well. Sprinkle pecans onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until pecans are lightly toasted, stirring occasionally. Cool.
2. INCREASE oven temperature to 400ºF. Melt 1/4 cup butter in 10-inch cast iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar; cook about 1 minute or until sugar melts, stirring constantly. Stir in water and vanilla. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer while making dumplings.
3. COMBINE flour and sugar in medium bowl; mix well. Stir in 3 tablespoons butter and milk; mix well. Remove skillet from heat. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls into brown sugar mixture.
4. BAKE 20 to 25 minutes or until dumplings are lightly browned. Spoon dumplings into individual dessert dishes. Top with caramel sauce, whipped cream and toasted pecans.