2-2 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. shortening
4 to 6 cooking apples, peeled, cored and cut into eighths
Sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
butter
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 c. sugar
2 c. hot water
1/4 c. butter, melted

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal. Gradually add milk, stirring to make a soft dough. Roll dough into a 1/8 inch thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface; cut into 5 inch squares. Place 3 or 4 pieces of apple on each square. Sprinkle each with 2 tsp. sugar and cinnamon and nutmeg to taste; dot with butter. Moisten edges of each dumpling with water; bring corners to center, pinching edges to seal. Place dumplings 1 inch apart in a lightly greased shallow baking dish. Combine last five ingredients; stir to dissolve sugar. Pour syrup over dumplings.

Bake at 375°F for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot with cream, if desired.

Makes about 1 doz.