Step 1

In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and baking powder.

Step 2

, Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, work the butter into the flour mixture until it's the texture of coarse sand.

Step 3

, Add the milk all at once, stirring quickly and as little as possible, just until everything is moistened.

Step 4

, Drop the dough by rounded spoonfuls (a tablespoon cookie scoop is a helpful tool here) into simmering soup or stew. It helps if the stew is in a wide rather than deep saucepan or pot.

Step 5

, Cook the dumplings, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Then cover and simmer for 10 minutes more, or until they're cooked through.

Step 6

, Refrigerate any leftovers, well wrapped, for several days.