RECIPE of the Day - 1/11/2007

These are like apple cinnamon rolls with sauce on top. They are better with butter and cream, but if you want to reduce the fat, the best choice for margarine is "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter". They are delicious whichever way you make them.


Spiral Apple Dumplings

2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1/4 cup margarine or butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
2/3 cup milk or cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups shredded, peeled cooking apples (3 to 4 medium), such as Golden Delicious, Rome, Granny Smith, Jonathan, or Newton Pippin

1. For sauce, in a large saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, the water, margarine, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to boiling and boil for 5 minutes; set aside (should have about 2 cups sauce).

2. For dough, in a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in shortening until pea-size. Make well in center. Add milk all at once. Stir just until moistened. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface 10 to 12 strokes or until nearly smooth. Roll out to 12x10-inch rectangle.

3. For filling, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; set aside. Sprinkle apples evenly over dough. Sprinkle with sugar mixture. Roll dough into spiral, starting from a long side. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into twelve 1-inch-thick pieces. Place in 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Pour sauce over dumplings. Bake in a 350 degree F oven about 50 minutes or until golden. Makes 12 servings.