Cherry Slump Recipes

DRIED FIG, APRICOT, AND CHERRY SLUMP

Steps:

• Filling:
• Combine first 9 ingredients in 12-inch broilerproof skillet with 3-inch-high sides or wide 3-quart stovetop casserole dish. Scrape in seeds from vanilla bean; add bean. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Drop Biscuits:
• Whisk flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking soda, and sea salt in medium bowl to blend. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until very coarse meal forms (butter pieces will be reduced to size of small peas). Add buttermilk and stir just until dough comes together (dough will be slightly wet). Mix remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon in small bowl to blend.
• Return dried fruit mixture to simmer. Using generous 1/4 cup biscuit dough for each, scoop 8 mounds of dough atop simmering fruit mixture, spacing apart. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over each biscuit. Cover skillet tightly and simmer over medium-low heat until biscuits are puffy and cooked through (tester inserted into center of biscuits comes out clean), about 12 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Let slump stand uncovered 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile position rack in upper third of oven at least 6 inches from heat source and preheat broiler. Broil slump just until biscuit tops are light golden, watching closely to prevent burning, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Divide fruit slump among bowls. Pour chilled cream over each and serve.

CHERRY-CORNMEAL SLUMP (OR GRUNT)

Steps:

• Put the cherries, 1/3 cup sugar, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water in a large skillet over medium heat; you can also put the skillet on the grill or over a campfire. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the juices have released, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, a pinch salt and remaining sugar in a bowl, or pulse once or twice in a food processor. Add the butter, and process for 10 seconds or until mixture is well blended. Add the egg and vanilla; mix until combined.
• When the cherry mixture is thickened slightly, dollop the batter over the top, and cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Cook, undisturbed, until the dumplings are cooked through, and their tops are dry (not sticky), 20 to 25 minutes. Serve with ice cream, whipped cream or yogurt.