Ingredients:
For the pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening or butter
- 6-7 tablespoons cold water
For the filling:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided into 6 small pieces
For the sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the pastry:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough forms a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the apples:
- Peel and core the apples, ensuring they remain whole. In a small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fill the cavity of each apple with the sugar mixture and top with a small piece of butter.
- Assemble the dumplings:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 6 squares, large enough to wrap around each apple.
- Place an apple in the center of each square. Bring the corners of the dough up over the apple and pinch the edges to seal. Place the dumplings in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the sauce over the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake:
- Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. Baste the dumplings with the sauce occasionally during baking.
- Serve:
- Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of the sauce from the baking dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Apple choice: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, but you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- Pastry shortcut: If you’re short on time, use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry.
- Flavor twist: Add raisins or chopped nuts to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
This recipe is perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a nostalgic dessert to end a meal. Let me know if you’d like more tips or variations!