Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt in a bowl. Grate or cut cold butter into small pieces and cut into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add sugar, milk and vanilla extract to flour mixture to make a dough. Can add more than 1/3 cup milk if needed to get dough to hold together.

Combine water, brown sugar and butter in a pot on top of the stove. Bring to a boil. Cover with lid. Drop tablespoons of dough mixture into syrup. Cover and simmer 6 to 7 minutes until dumplings are cooked.

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream on top. Good hot or cold. Can sprinkle on nuts of your choice. Makes about six servings.