1 qt. (or pt.) of "home-canned" fruit: cherries, berries, or sliced fruit (I remember blackberries were great)
1 c. boiling water

DUMPLING BATTER:

1 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. milk
3 tbsp. butter, melted

(Quoting directly from old time recipe when Monday's wash day left not time for fancy desserts - on the farm.)

Into a large basin with tight-fitting cover, empty the fruit. Add 1 cup boiling water and heat to a boil. Drop dumplings by spoonsful on fruit, cover, cook gently 20 minutes.

DUMPLING BATTER: Sift flour with baking powder, salt and sugar. Beat smooth with milk and melted butter. Feel free to substitute modern version. It is really good!