Apple Dumplings

Umm, YUM! I made these for the first time several years ago when we did our first Iron Chef party, which was apple-themed. The dough is an amazing combo between biscuit dough and pie dough that is truly delectable. SUPER rich, and not for the faint of heart.

2 cups water

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

8 drops red food coloring 

1/4 cup butter or margarine

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

3/4 cup shortening

1/2 cup milk

6 small whole apples, pared and cored

For syrup- mix first 5 ingredients; cook on medium high for 5 minutes, or until it comes to a slow boil. Remove from heat and add the butter. 

Sift together dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk all at once and stir just until the flour is moistened. On a lightly floured surface, roll in to a 18x12 inch rectangle.

Cut into six 6-inch squares. Place an apple on each. Sprinkle apples generously with additional sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg; dot with additional butter. Moisten edges of pastry, bring corners to the center and pinch edges together. Place 1 inch apart on a 9x13 baking pan. Pour syrup over the dumplings. Bake at 375 for 35-40 minutes. Serve warm with a dash of heavy cream over-top. 

I just made this for my Specials this past week, and got to try out the dough making feature of my food processor. It was awesome, and SO easy! It cut the flour and shortening together like a dream, and mixed everything just right. Will definitely be using that feature more!