Great-Great-Grandma’s Apple Dumplings

Picture a warm, cozy kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon and baking apples. You can almost see Great-Great-Grandma at the stove, her skilled hands crafting little pockets of joy – her legendary Apple Dumplings. Today, we’re going to embark on a sweet, nostalgic journey, back to those simpler times.

These apple dumplings are not just any ordinary dessert. They’re a testament to the power of love and tradition. Each bite takes you on a journey through layers of tender, flaky pastry, to the heart of a juicy, cinnamon-spiced apple.

And the secret to making these dumplings? As Great-Great-Grandma always said, it’s all about using fresh, quality ingredients and plenty of patience.

Fresh, Quality Ingredients: The Backbone of any Great Recipe

The beauty of apple dumplings lies in their simplicity. But remember, when a recipe has just a few ingredients, quality is paramount.

Tip: Choose crisp, juicy apples for the filling. Granny Smith apples are a great choice because of their tartness and firm texture.

Patience: The Secret Ingredient

Good things take time, and these dumplings are no exception. From rolling the dough to the perfect thickness, to carefully sealing the apples inside, every step should be done with care and patience.

Tip: When sealing the dough around the apple, ensure it’s completely enclosed to prevent any delicious juices from leaking out during baking.

As you tuck these little parcels into the oven, the magic begins. The pastry turns golden, the apples soften, and the sugar and spice transform into a gooey, caramel-like syrup.

When you serve these apple dumplings fresh from the oven, their charm is irresistible. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they’re the ultimate comfort food.

Great-Great-Grandma’s Apple Dumplings are more than just a dessert. They’re a link to the past, a celebration of tradition, and a deliciously sweet way to gather loved ones around the table.

So, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fill your home with the heavenly aroma of baking apples and cinnamon. It’s time to recreate Great-Great-Grandma’s legendary apple dumplings.

Great-Great-Grandma’s Apple Dumplings

Course: DessertCuisine: American

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

60

minutes

Discover a family treasure with these warm, delightful apple dumplings. An heirloom recipe that’s sure to be a hit with every generation.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2/3 cup shortening

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

• 4 large apples, peeled and cored

• 8 teaspoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 1/2 cups hot water

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add cold water, tossing with a fork until a ball forms. Divide dough into four portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 7-in. square.
• Place an apple on each square. Place 2 teaspoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar into the core of each apple; sprinkle with cinnamon. Gently bring up corners of pastry to each center; pinch edges to seal.
• Place dumplings in a greased baking dish. In a small saucepan, combine the remaining sugar with water; heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour over dumplings.
• Bake at 375 degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown.

Notes

• You can substitute the shortening with butter for a richer flavor.
• Try different types of apples for slightly different flavors. Granny Smith apples are great for a tart contrast, while Gala or Honeycrisp apples provide a sweeter flavor.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

Great-Great-Grandma’s Apple Dumplings are a sweet, comforting dessert that pairs well with a variety of dishes. They are the perfect ending to a hearty meal, such as a roast dinner or a rich, savory stew. The sweetness of the dumplings also complements spicier fare, such as barbecue or spicy Asian cuisine.

For a classic pairing, try them after a traditional Thanksgiving meal. No matter what you serve before these dumplings, make sure to have some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on hand for topping!