1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
6 to 10 drops of red food coloring
3 tbsp. butter
2 c. sifted all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2/3 c. shortening
1/2 c. milk
6 med. whole apples, peeled and cored

Combine sugar, water, spices, and food coloring and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add butter. Pour this mixture over dumplings before baking.

Sift together dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk all at once and stir just until flour is moistened. On a lightly floured surface roll dough to about 1/4 inch thick into 18x12 inch rectangles. Cut into 6 inch squares. Sprinkle each apple generously with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and a dot of butter. Fold corners and moisten edges to get to stick together. Pour first mixture over dumplings and place 1 inch apart in an ungreased pan and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 35 minutes at 375 degrees.