German Dumplings (Spaetzle or Kniffles) for Soup or Saute

When our church decided to host a "German Reformation Night" dinner, I went hunting for authentic German recipes. Here is one that fits the bill. There are two ways to make the dumplings (explained below). Serving ideas suggested below too. Gushundheit--!

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 5-7
• Yields: 3 cups???

Ingredients

• 2  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons water
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 3⁄4 cup flour

Directions

1. Mix these together until sticky.
2. Drop into bubbling soup or stew, broth or water. (see below for ideas).
3. Dumplings will rise to the surface as they cook; remove from liquid with a slotted spoon (if sautéing in another pan); set aside in a bowl (keep warm).
4. MAKE THE DUMPLINGS #1: This method results in very small, stringy-ish dumplings and is great for soups or stews. Spoon several tablespoons of batter into a colander, then with the back of the spoon--press the batter through the holes into the bubbling liquid.
5. METHOD #2: This method forms larger dumpling pieces (dime & quarter size) and is great for soups or stews, too -- but especially good if you want to saute the dumplings afterwards (more on that in a minute). Using a teaspoon and butter knife, scoop up a spoonful of batter, then use the knife to cut off little dibs and dabs, using the knife to also push the dibs into the hot liquid. If the knife or spoon gets messy, just dip into the hot liquid.
6. SERVING IDEAS: We love these in chicken-dumpling soup (use your regular chicken soup recipe -- skip the egg noodles and make these dumplings instead). OR scoop out the larger dumplings (Method #2), and saute in butter or olive oil along with kielbasa or other sausage and LOTS of onion ring slices. OR saute some fresh veggies, then add the dumplings -- heaven!
7. VARIATIONS: Add several pinches of your favorite herbs along with the flour to enhance the soup, stew or saute dish.
8. Chef's Note: Altho' this is kind of putzy, it is well worth the effort and SO different from regular pasta-noodles.