SYRUP:

1 1/2 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. red hots

Mix ingredients together. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 1/4 cup butter; set aside.

DUMPLING CRUST:

2 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. milk
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
4 sm. apples, peeled, cored and cut into sm. pieces

Combine flour, baking soda, salt. Cut in shortening. Add milk all at once. Stir just until moistened. Form into ball. Roll out into 18x12 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 6 inch squares.

Mix apples with sugar/cinnamon/nutmeg. Place 1/6th of apples on center of each square; moisten edges of dough. Fold corners to center top and pinch edges together. Place in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Pour syrup over dumplings. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until apples are tender. Serves 6.