2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. milk
6 med. apples, pared and cored

SYRUP:

1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
8 drops red food color
3 tbsp. 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 board, roll in 8x12-inch rectangle. Cut in 6-inch squares. Place apple on each. Sprinkle apples generously with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; dot with butter. Moisten edge of pastry. Bring corners to center and pinch edges together. Place 1 inch apart in ungreased 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-inch baking pan.

Bring first 5 ingredients of syrup to boil. Remove from heat and add butter. Pour syrup over dumplings; sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm with cream. Serves 6.