Can I pre prepare dumplings?

[SlicedLemon]

Or will they go solid.

Have a stew in the slow cooker for tonight but need yo go out for 5 hours before serving at 7ish tonight.

I normally make my dumplings with suet and flour then cook in the oven for 15 minutes or so before putting them in the slow cooker about an hour before serving.
As I will be out is there any way I can do dumplings? If I put them in too soon won't they go to mush if they sink in the stew or hi rock hard if sat on the top?
Any advice?

I've done them 3 hours in advance and just thrown a damp teatowel over them.
I see no reason why you couldn't make them up and then cover in cling film to keep the moisture in.

I always do mine in advance but over them up, am now addicted to Mary Berrys horseradish and parsley dumplings....make dumpling mix with suet, roll out into rectangle, spread a mix of horseradish and chopped parsley, roll up like a Swiss roll and slice about 2cm thick - soooo delicious!

I make dumplings, when I get home. The slow cooker having been on all day. I mix suet and flour and drop them into the casserole ( slow cooker). Takes about 20-30 minutes to cook perfectly.