Prepare the Blackberry Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine fresh blackberries, sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and allow it to simmer for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until the berries soften and create a sweet, syrupy sauce that fills the kitchen with an inviting aroma.

Create the Dumpling Dough: While the blackberry sauce is simmering, begin preparing the dumpling dough. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Next, incorporate the shortening using a knife or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolk to the flour mixture, followed by the milk, which should be added a tablespoon at a time. Gently mix with a fork until the dough begins to form a cohesive ball. Be careful not to add too much milk; the mixture should hold together without being overly sticky.

Shape the Dumplings: Divide the dough into two equal portions. For a creative touch, you can choose to roll the dough out to a thickness of about ¼ inch and cut it into strips. These strips can then be further cut into small squares, resembling little pillows of deliciousness.

Combine with the Sauce: Once your dumplings are shaped, gently place them into the bubbling blackberry sauce. Cover the saucepan and let them simmer for about 15 minutes. While cooking, you may gently push the dumplings down into the sauce, but avoid stirring, as this may cause them to clump together. Allow them to cook thoroughly.

Serve the Dish: Once the dumplings are tender and fully infused with the rich blackberry sauce, serve them warm. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the dish wonderfully, as it melts into the warm berries and dumplings, creating a delightful dessert experience.