Strawberry Sauce with Dumplings

Combine mashed strawberries, water, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons margarine or butter and ⅛ teaspoon salt, then bring to a gentle simmer.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup plain flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ cup sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Cut 2 tablespoons cold margarine or butter into small pieces and work into the flour mixture using fingertips or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Stir ⅓ cup milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla into the flour mixture just until a soft dough forms; do not overmix.

Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of dumpling dough directly into the simmering strawberry sauce. Space them apart to prevent sticking.

Reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow dumplings to steam and cook until they rise and a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean.

Remove from heat and divide the strawberry sauce and dumplings into serving bowls. Top with ice cream if desired and serve warm.