Beef and ale stew with dumplings

Name: Beef and ale stew with dumplings
Ingredients: 2 cloves; ¼ cinnamon stick; 2 star anise; plain flour, for dusting; 1 tbsp salt; 1kg/2lb 4oz braising steak, cut into large pieces; 3-4 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 carrots, chopped; 2 onions, cut into quarters; 4 celery stalks, trimmed, cut in half; 3 large Bramley apples, cored and diced; 500ml/18fl oz ale; 1.5 litres/2½ pints chicken stock; 1 bunch rosemary, tied together with cook's string; 5 bay leaves; 115g/4oz fresh white breadcrumbs; 115g/4oz beef suet; 115g/4oz self-raising flour; pinch salt; 2 tbsp chopped fresh flatleaf parsley leaves; 1 free-range egg, beaten; 2 tbsp milk; rapeseed oil or melted butter, for glazing