Peggy's Classic Apple Dumplings

Hands-On Time: 30 min.; Total Time: 1 hr., 15 min.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 1/2  cups  sugar
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground cinnamon, divided
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground nutmeg, divided
• 2  tablespoons  butter
• 2 1/4  cups  all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons  baking powder
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 2/3  cup  shortening
• 6  small Rome apples (about 1 3/4 lb.)
• 1/2  cup  milk
• 1/3  cup  sugar
• 1/4  cup  butter, cut into 6 equal pieces
• 1/2  cup  chopped pecans, toasted

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg in a saucepan. Stir in 1 1/2 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in 2 Tbsp. butter. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until crumbly. Cover and chill. Meanwhile, peel and core apples.

2. Stir milk into flour mixture until moistened. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead 3 to 4 times. Roll into an 18- x 12-inch rectangle. Cut into 6 (6-inch) squares. Place 1 apple in center of each square.

3. Combine 1/3 cup sugar and remaining 1/4 tsp. cinnamon and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg; sprinkle over apples. Press 1 piece of butter into each apple center. Moisten edges of dough with water; fold dough over apples, pinching edges to seal. Place dumplings in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Pour sugar syrup over dumplings.

4. Bake at 375° for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with pecans.