For dumplings: Stir all dry ingredients together; cut in shorting until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in enough milk to make dough soft.
For syrup: Make syrup of the jam by adding jam and water in a large pot. When syrup in melted down and comes to a boil, reduce heat and drop biscuit dough on top by the teaspoonful.
Cover at once; simmer for 12 minutes. Remove dumplings and arrange in a deep serving dish. Pour remaining syrup around dumplings and serve hot.