GOLDEN SYRUP DUMPLINGS

A hundred years ago you would have been served dumplings and 'cocky's joy 'in Australia, that's what golden syrup dumplings were called. To make these dumplings , place 225gm of self raising flour into a food processor with 30gm of butter/ marg until well combined and no lumps visible. In a medium sized bowl beat 2 eggs and add 3 tbs and 1 dsp of milk . Now add the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined , do not over beat . Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for an hour to firm up . Line a baking tray with baking paper , use an ice cream scoop to form 12 dough balls . Place the dough balls on the baking tray and refrigerate until needed . To prepare the syrup place 185gm of soft brown sugar in a large saucepan along with 1 tsp of vanilla extract , 500ml of water , bring this to the boil over a medium heat. Reduce the heat to a steady simmer . Use a slotted spoon to add the dumplings to the syrup . Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook for 15 minutes or until golden and cooked through . The dumplings are cooked when skewered through the centre and the skewer comes out clean . Transfer the dumplings and divide between serving bowls . Return the sauce to the heat and cover and cook to thicken slightly , then pour over the dumplings . Serve with whipped cream and or vanilla ice cream .