Skillet Caramel Apricot Grunt

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine apricots and tapioca; let stand for 15 minutes. Add the brown sugar, butter and lemon juice. Cook and stir until mixture comes to a full boil. Reduce heat to low; keep warm.
2. For dumplings, in a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and baking powder; cut in butter until crumbly. Add milk; mix just until combined. Pour warm fruit mixture into an ungreased 9- or 10-in. cast-iron skillet. Drop the batter in 6 mounds onto fruit mixture.
3. Bake, uncovered, at 425° until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Stir together brown sugar and water; microwave until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently, about 30 seconds. Spoon over dumplings; bake 5 minutes longer. Serve with cream if desired.