PASTRY:

2 1/4 c. flour
3/4 c. shortening
3/4 tsp. salt
7-8 tsp. ice water

Put flour and salt into bowl, add most of shortening and blend until it looks like meal. Add remaining shortening, and cut it in pieces the size of a pea. Sprinkle water over mixture and blend. Roll dough 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 7-inch squares.

FILLING:

6 med. size apples
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. butter

Place a pared apple on each pastry square. Fill with sugar and cinnamon, and dot with butter. Moisten points of pastry, and bring opposite points up over the apple, overlapping them. Seal well. Place in 8 x 12 inch pan and chill.

SYRUP:

1 c. sugar
4 tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. water

Mix together and boil 3 minutes. Pour the hot syrup around the chilled dumplings. Bake immediately in hot oven, 500 degrees, for 5 to 7 minutes, then reduce to moderate oven, 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Makes 6. Serve warm with hot syrup and cream, if desired.