Apple Dumplings

I had planned to make a pie or cobbler for the 4th of July but I came across a family recipe for apple dumplings and I couldn't resist. I made a mess in the kitchen (flour everywhere!) but the dumplings were a success!





Recipe:

Ingredients for Dumpling Pastry:
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup water
1 stick of butter

Directions:
Mix together flour and salt
Cut in shortening, sprinkle with water and mix lightly with a fork until moistened.
Gather together with fingers.

Roll out a little less than 1/8'' thick and cut into 7'' squares.
Slice medium tart juicy apple for each dumpling (I used small granny smith apples and they worked great!)
Place apples on squares. Pour sugar and cinnamon mix over each (mix = 1/2 cup sugar & 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon)
Fold dough & dot with 1 tbsp butter on top.

Directions for Syrup (to drizzle on top):
Boil together 3 minutes 1 cup sugar, 2 cups water, 3 tbsp butter, 1 tsp cinnamon
Drizzle syrup over each dumpling before placing in oven and halfway through baking.

Bake immediately 40-45 minutes or until crust is brown and apples are cooked through.

Drizzle syrup over dumplings.

Serve warm.

(I served them with vanilla ice cream! Definitely recommended!)

Hot out of the oven....