Cherries with Cinnamon Dumplings

Ingredients

• 2 bags (16 ounces each) frozen dark sweet cherries
• 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. 1
   Be careful not to overmix the batter for the dumplings; it should be wet and lumpy.
2. 2
   Combine cherries and 1/3 cup sugar in a large skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high; simmer rapidly until syrupy, 8 to 10 minutes. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and remaining tablespoon sugar; set aside.
3. 3
   Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually stir in milk, mixing just until a wet dough forms.
4. 4
   Reduce heat to medium-low. Spoon tablespoons of dough (you should have about 18) over simmering fruit; sprinkle all with cinnamon-sugar.
5. 5
   Cover skillet; simmer very gently until dumplings are set and dry to the touch, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve warm, with ice cream if desired.