1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg (opt.)
6 to 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 & cored

Combine sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, food coloring; bring to a boil. Add butter. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt; cut in shortening. Add milk all at once and stir just until flour is moistened. On lightly floured surface, roll 1/8 inch thick into 18 x 12 inch rectangle. Cut with knife or pastry wheel into 6 inch squares.

Place 1 whole apple in each square. Sprinkle each apple generously with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg (optional); 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 syrup over dumplings; sprinkle with sugar. Bake 35 minutes at 375 degrees or until apples are done. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.