2 c. sifted all purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. shortening
5 tbsp. cold water
6 medium size tart cooking apples, pared and cored
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. milk

Sift flour and salt into large bowl. Cut in shortening with 2 knives or pastry blender until mixture resembles cornmeal. Sprinkle water over surface; mix lightly with fork until pastry holds together. Shape into balls. Roll out on floured surface into an 18 x 12 inch rectangle. Cut into six (6 inch) squares.

Place an apple in the center of each pastry square. Mix sugar and cinnamon; spoon into the center of each. Dot each apple with butter. Moisten edges of pastry; bring points over apple and press together.

Place dumplings in shallow baking pan. Brush pastry lightly with milk. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven 45 minutes or until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired. Makes 6 servings.