Combine the first 8 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Place the apple and fennel in a large bowl. Spoon 1 tablespoon of dressing over apple mixture, tossing to coat. Add remaining dressing and lettuce, tossing to coat.

To prepare soup, heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, cloves, garlic, and bay leaves; cook 10 minutes. Add water, broth, and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Add sweet potato and beans; cook for 10 minutes. Stir in corn, zucchini, parsley, and red pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves.

To prepare dumplings, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients (flour through salt) in a bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add milk and corn; stir just until moist.

Bring soup to a boil. Drop dumpling dough by rounded tablespoonfuls into the vegetable mixture to form 8 dumplings. Cover, reduce heat, and cook over medium-low heat 10 minutes or until dumplings are done (do not boil).