Apple Dumplings

• 1 ½ cups sugar
  
• 1 ½ cups water
  
• ¼ tsp. nutmeg
  
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon
  
• 8 drops of red food coloring
  
• 3 TBS. butter
  
• 2 cups flour
  
• 2 tsp. baking powder
  
• 1 tsp. salt
  
• 2/3 cup shortening
  
• ½ cup milk
  
• 6 medium whole apples pared & cored
  

Combine the first 5 ingredients and bring to boiling.  Remove from heat and add butter.  Mix up next 5 ingredients, like for making pie crust.  Roll out onto 18 X 12-inch rectangle.  Cut 6-6 inch squares, place apple on each.  Sprinkle apples generously with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then dot with butter.  Bring corners of crust together and seal.  Place in ungreased baking pan.  Pour the syrup over dumplings and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake 375 degrees for 35 minutes or until apples are done.  Serves 6.  Serve with ice cream or cream.