Step 1

Get a pot of your favorite stew cooking and bring it to a slow simmer.

Step 2

Measure out the baking mix by filling a cup measure and using a butter knife to level off the cup so you have an exact measurement.

Step 3

Whisk the baking mix, milk, and any optional ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix just until a soft dough forms, no more. You should not mix any longer than two minutes.

Step 4

Let the dough sit for 5-10 minutes to rise.

Step 5

Bring the stew to a rolling simmer. Drop the dough by large spoonfuls into the stew. Continue until all the dough is used. Be sure to use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and get all the bits of dough out.

Step 6

Reduce the heat of the stew to low and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, this will help cook the bottoms of the dumplings.

Step 7

Cover the pot and cook for another 10 minutes to cook the tops of the dumplings all the way through.

Step 8

Serve hot!