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

Combine sugar, water, spices and food coloring; bring to boiling. Remove from heat; add butter. Sift dry ingredients together; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk all at once and stir until just flour is moistened.

On lightly floured surface, roll to between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick into 18x12 inch rectangles. Cut into 6-inch squares. Place whole apple in each square. Sprinkle each apple generously with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; dot with butter. Moisten edges of squares. Fold corners to center and pinch edges together.

Place 1 inch apart in ungreased 11 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch baking pan. Pour the syrup over the dumplings; sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until apples are done. Serve warm with cream. Makes 6 servings.