These delightful apple dumplings are a family recipe made by my German great-grandma. My ancestors made them for those who were tired after working long hours on the farm. This recipe makes about six dumplings. If you do make this recipe, keep in mind that it takes about 90 minutes to whip up.

Ingredients for Dough: 

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp salt 
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ⅓ cup shortening 
• ½ cup milk
• 1 slightly beaten egg
• About 6 peeled apples, cut into quarters
• 1 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)
• ⅓ cup sugar (or to taste)

Ingredients for Syrup:

• 1 ½, with another ⅓ cup water reserved for a slurry
• ½ cup sugar 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp flour 

Directions for Syrup: 

1. Mix together flour and water to make a slurry.
2. Boil together water and sugar, just until the sugar has completely dissolved. 
3. Add the water and flour slurry to thicken. 
4. Add vanilla extract.

Directions for Dough:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. 
2. Add cinnamon, and sugar to apples and set aside.
3. Sift dry ingredients together. 
4. Knead in the shortening until it has the consistency of coarse cornmeal.
5. Stir in the milk and egg. 
6. Roll out the dough until it is about ⅜  of an inch thick. Cut into 6-inch squares. There should be about six squares.
7. Put an apple onto each square. Pull up the corners of the dumplings and pinch together. Seal the open edges of the dough by pinching together. 
8. Arrange the dumplings in a buttered pan and cover them in syrup. 
9. Bake in oven for 1 hour.
10. Enjoy!