In Recognition of Lori Grimes: Apricot-Cherry Slump

As Rick's wife (and the unofficial "First Lady" according to Carol Peletier), Lori occupies a precarious position within the Group. Her divided loyalties create a certain amount of friction.
And attempting to maintain a reasonably normal life for her son Carl easily becomes a crushing burden. With Sophia's loss and Carl's accident during the herd attack comes new stresses and challenges. The knowledge that their Group is isolated and that no outside help will ever arrive causes further feelings of hopelessness within Lori as well as the other Survivors.
Though she does her best to create a life for her family and friends, the divisions caused by her affair with Shane cannot be easily repaired. The love triangle's existence in the face of the world-wide Apocalypse does not allow for feelings to be discussed or dissected.
Much remains unsaid and the secrecy threatens both the Grimes' marriage and the survival of the Group itself.
The WDSCB presents Apricot-Cherry Slump in recognition of Lori Grimes.
Two opposite flavors combine with a classic Georgia recipe to create a memorable dessert. Each fruit alone would be forgettable but together they become greater than the sum of their parts.

Apricot-Cherry Slump

Batter:
1  1/2 cups Unbleached Flour
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
3 Tbsp. Sugar
1 cup almond or soy milk
4 Tbsp. butter flavored shortening
1 tsp. Cinnamon or Nutmeg (or both)


Fruit:
1-15 oz. can apricots (packed in juice)
1-15 oz.  can cherries (packed in juice)
1/2 cup sugar


Combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, spices, soymilk and shortening in a medium bowl. Stir until combined. Set aside.


In a Dutch oven (with a tight-fitting lid) combine the can of cherries (undrained) and the can of apricots (drained). Stir in 1/2 cup sugar until dissolved. Bring to boil (over medium heat or medium coals). Simmer for 2 minutes.


Working quickly, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the fruit mixture to form dumplings. Cover with the tight-fitting lid. Simmer gently for 15 minutes. It is VERY Important that you do not peek! After 15 minutes, check dumplings. They should be firm and feel dry to the touch.


If needed, you may replace the lid and steam for an additional 5-10 minutes. Serve immediately.