Jamaican Festival (Sweet Dumpling)

Begin by heating a heavy-bottomed pot filled with at least 3 inches of oil, or use a deep fryer if available. Set the heat to medium and carefully monitor the oil temperature until it reaches a steady 350°F (175°C); this is crucial for the perfect crispy texture. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients until evenly blended. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3/4 cup of milk to the dry mixture. Mix gently with a spoon until the dough begins to come together. Then, use your hands to lightly knead the mixture into a cohesive ball, being careful not to overwork the dough to keep it tender. Pinch off portions of dough and roll each into a long, oval shape, aiming to make about 12 dumplings in total. Keep them uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Once the oil has reached 350°F, carefully place the dumplings into the hot oil. Fry them on all sides, turning as needed, until they turn a glorious golden brown, approximately 4 to 6 minutes. Monitor them closely to prevent over-browning. Remove the dumplings from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Serve warm, and enjoy these crispy, sweet treats alongside your favorite Caribbean dishes! Tip: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key; too low and the dumplings will absorb oil and become greasy, too high and they can burn on the outside while remaining uncooked inside. Use a kitchen thermometer for best results.