Aunt Lillian's Apple Dumplings

Original Recipe from:  Lillian Bowers-Leasburg

This recipe is from my dear Aunt Lillian.  She’s another great cook in a family of great cooks and serves everything with her southern charm and style.  Apple harvest comes at the perfect time of year.  The days grow colder and baking in the oven fills the house with warmth and wondrous aromas.  Apple dumplings are a delicious holiday menu option.  This recipe is easy enough to make for any occasion.  Enjoy!

Ingredients and Directions

Syrup

1 cup Sugar

1 cup Water

1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg

2 tablespoons Butter

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Set aside to cool

2 cups Flour

1/2 cup Milk

2 teaspoons Baking Powder

2/3 cups Shortening (Crisco or Margarine)

1 teaspoon Salt

6 Apples, peeled, cored, and cut in quarters

Sugar, Nutmeg, and Cinnamon

6 dots of Butter

Sift Four, Baking Powder, and Salt.  Cut in Shortening, and then add milk all at once.  Stir until flour is moistened.  Roll 1/4 inch thick on a floured board.  Cut into 6 inch squares.

Place four Apple quarters in each square (in the shape of a whole apple).  Sprinkle each Apple with Sugar, Nutmeg, and Cinnamon, dot with Butter.  Pull each squares corners to the top of the apples and press to seal the seams.  

Place each square 1 inch apart in a greased baking dish.  Pour on Syrup on top of the dumplings.  Bake in 375 degree oven for 35 minutes.  Serve warm.