Blackberry Dumplings

3 pints fresh or frozen blackberries
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon butter

Dumplings
1 cup all-purpose flour
5 teaspoons baking powder
5 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
Half-and-half or whipped cream, optional

In a 6-qt. kettle, combine blackberries, sugar, water and butter; bring to a boil. For dumplings, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. In a bowl, beat egg and milk; stir in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto boiling berry mixture. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until dumplings test done (do not lift the cover while simmering). Serve warm with half-and-half or whipped cream if desired. Makes 8 servings.

Note: Raspberries may be substituted for the blackberries.