In the 1950s, almost everyone's mother or grandmother knew how to make dumplings. Their popularity may have had to do with the way the feathery light, steamed or boiled dough balls helped to extend soups and stews. You could feed more people if you added dumplings to your stew, so they were common on American tables. Stretching your food dollars is still a good idea, but nowadays, dumplings are more likely to be enjoyed as the homey comfort food of a simpler time.