CHOCOLATE SAUCE:

3/4 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. cocoa
1 tbsp. corn starch
2 c. water
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. vanilla

DUMPLINGS:

1 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 c. sugar
3 tbsp. shortening
1 egg
1/3 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cocoa. Add shortening, egg, milk and vanilla. Stir to blend ingredients. Then beat and bring chocolate sauce to boil. Drop dumplings by spoonfuls into sauce. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer gently for 20 minutes. Serve with cream, if desired.