Nanny’s Apple Dumplings

Combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg; bring to a boil to make a syrup. Add butter. Set aside.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening. Add milk all at once and stir until moistened. Roll 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 6-inch squares with a pastry wheel or knife.

Place 1 whole medium-sized apple, (or 1/2 large apple cut into slices) in the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle each apple or apple slices generously with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dot with butter. Fold corners to center and pinch edges together. Place 1 inch apart in a greased 11×7×1 1/2 inch pan. Spoon the syrup over the dumplings, then sprinkle with sugar.

Bake in a moderate oven (375F) for 35 minutes. Serve hot with cream.