Make a thin syrup, by boiling together for 5 minutes 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside where it will keep warm while you pare, core, and slice 5 to 6 tart firm apples.

Make a rich biscuit dough as follows: 2 1/2 cups sifted flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup shortening, 3/4 cup milk. Cut shortening into flour, baking powder, and salt, until as fine as cornmeal. Stir in milk. Turn on floured board and knead about 1/2 minute. Roll out 1/4 inch thick. Cut in squares 5x5 inches.

Put a mound of apples in center of each square. Add a teaspoon of sugar, dash of cinnamon, dot of butter. Bring up corners together, place smooth side up in buttered pan. Pour syrup over dumplings, cut slit in each. Bake in oven at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with cream or milk.