Sally Brooks's Page

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup butter or margarine
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup milk
6 small apples, peeled and cored
1/3 cup sugar
Oven 375 degrees F

For syrup, in a saucepan combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of the cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of the nutmeg, and 2 cups water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in butter. Set aside.

Combine flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in shortening till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk all at once; stir just till all is moistened. Form into a ball. On a floured surface roll out into a 18X12-inch rectangle; cut into six 6-inch squares. Place an apple in center of each square. Sprinkle apple generously with a mixture of 1/3 cup sugar and remaining 1/4 teaspoon each cinnamon and nutmeg; dot with additional butter. Moisten edges of dough; fold corners to center atop apple. Pinch the edges together. Place in a 13X9X2-inch baking dish. Pour syrup over dumplings. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes or till apples are tender. Serves 6.