1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
8 drops red food coloring
3 tbsp. butter
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. milk
6 med., whole apples, pared and cored

FOR SYRUP: Mix first 5 ingredients, bring to boiling; remove from heat; add butter. Sift together dry ingredients; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk all at once, stir just until flour is moistened.

On lightly floured surface, roll to 12x18 inch rectangle. Cut in 6 (6-inch) squares. Place apple on each. Sprinkle apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dot with butter. Moisten edges of pastry, bring corners to center and pinch edges together.

Place 1 inch apart in ungreased baking pan. Pour syrup over dumplings, sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until apples are tender.