Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Quebec with Grand Père Maple Syrup Dumplings. This traditional dessert, known as Grands-Pères au Sirop d’Érable, is a beloved treat in French Canadian cuisine. Soft, pillowy dumplings are simmered in rich maple syrup, creating a delightful combination of sweetness and texture. Perfect for cold evenings or a cozy family gathering, these dumplings celebrate the pure, natural sweetness of maple syrup. This recipe is simple to prepare but offers a truly unique and memorable taste of Quebec’s culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cold)
- ¾ cup milk
For the Maple Syrup Sauce:
- 2 cups pure maple syrup (preferably Canadian)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Maple Syrup Sauce:
In a large saucepan or deep skillet, combine the maple syrup, water, and butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Add vanilla extract if using, and let it warm while you prepare the dumplings. - Make the Dumpling Dough:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. - Add Milk to Form Dough:
Slowly pour the milk into the flour mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. - Cook the Dumplings in Maple Syrup:
Using a spoon or your hands, form the dough into small, rough dumplings (about the size of a golf ball). Carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering maple syrup sauce. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through. Do not uncover the pot during this time, as the dumplings need the steam to cook evenly. - Serve:
Once the dumplings are done, carefully spoon them out into serving bowls. Pour some of the warm maple syrup sauce over the dumplings. Serve hot, and enjoy the rich, sweet flavors!