Maple Dumplings with Cinnamon & Apples

Makes 12

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup flaxseed meal 

1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda 

Pinch of salt

1 orange, zested (optional)

¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 cinnamon stick

2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into bits

1 cup well-shaken buttermilk

2 cups pure maple syrup (preferably Grade B or dark amber)

2 cups water

2 tart apples, thinly sliced 

Bring syrup and water to a boil in a 4-quart pot at least 10 inches wide and lower to a simmer.  Add sliced apples and simmer for 5 minutes. 

Mix together flour, flaxseed meal, baking powder and soda, salt, zest, and nutmeg into a bowl. Blend in butter with pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk and stir with a fork just until dough is evenly moistened (do not over mix).

Using an 2-inch Ice Cream scoop drop dough into syrup, leaving spaces to allow dumplings to expand. Gently simmer over moderately low heat, covered, until tops of dumplings are dry to touch, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve warm. 

Best garnish is Ice Cream!