DO NOT DRAIN CHERRIES.

Place cherries and juice in a straight-sided skillet or Dutch oven along with water, 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons butter. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and remaining sugar; place in a bowl. Cut in remaining butter with a pastry blender. Add milk and vanilla; stir to combine.

Drop by tablespoonfuls over cherry mixture; cover and simmer until dumplings are cooked through, 20 minutes.