Apple Dumplings | Life at Spring Meadows

Hello September and fresh apples! One of our first articles to kick off the month for “All About the Apple” is a recipe for Apple Dumplings. But before we start cooking, let’s talk about dumplings in a general term.

A Little Bit of Dumpling History

According to Wikipedia, the dumpling is “a broad classification for a dish that consists of small pieces of dough (made from a variety of starch sources), often wrapped around a filling (as in ravioli or wontons). The dough can be based on bread, flour, or potatoes, and may be filled with fish, meat, sweets, or vegetables. They may be cooked by boiling, frying, simmering, or steaming. Dumplings may be savory or sweet and can be eaten by themselves, with gravy or sauce, or in soups or stews.” (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumpling)

A Dumpling is Not Always a Southern Dumplin’!

In my childhood days (and into adulthood), the only type of dumpling I was aware of was Chicken and Dumplings (dumplins’). I was raised on Chicken and Dumplins’! It was a traditional Sunday dinner menu usually served with sides of green beans, sweet potatoes, and of course, slaw and buttermilk cornbread. Do I even need to mention that tall glass of sweet tea?

I thought the whole world was raised on Chicken and Dumplins’ and it was only when we traveled to Minnesota with my husband’s work that I learned the truth. It is a traditional Southern dish and outside of the Mason Dixon, it is not common fare. A wonderful friend I met while living in Duluth taught me many things about life in the north and traditional foods such as bear meat, krumkake, and wild rice. From me, her new southern friend, she learned about Chicken and Dumplins’ and sweet iced tea! Another story and another recipe coming for our homemade Chicken and Dumplins!

The first time I heard about Apple Dumplings, in my mind I envisioned sliced apples in a boiling pot of water with butter, sugar, and cinnamon,  then strips of dough dropped into the boiling pot and steamed. Just like Chicken and Dumplins’ but using apples instead of the chicken! Not so I have learned!

My apple dumplings are not Southern Living style perfection as far as looks, but as far as taste, they are some good eating! Served with Blue Bell (yes, that one) Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, it is a delicious dessert. We have also served Black Walnut Ice Cream with our dumplings, and it is yummy good!

Now, let’s start cooking and give this recipe a try! I look forward to hearing how it works for you!

Let’s Make Apple Dumplings!

MAKE THE DOUGH

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup cold sweet milk

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the shortening into the flour. The mixture should be crumbly.

Make a well in the center of the flour and shortening. Pour in the milk and stir to combine. Roll into a ball and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

PEEL AND CORE THE APPLES

Prepare your apples while the dough is chilling!

6 small tart apples, peeled and cored
6 teaspoons butter
6 teaspoons sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Peel and core your apples. Insert 1 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar mix into each of the cored apples.

PREPARE THE BROWN SUGAR SAUCE

3/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup butter

Note: Now is the time to preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

ASSEMBLE THE DUMPLINGS

Roll the chilled dough into a thin (1/8 inch) square shape. Cut into 6 squares.

Place a stuffed apple in the middle of each of square, bringing each corner of the dough to the top of the apple center. Wet your fingertips with cold water and pinch the corners of the dough to seal.

Place apple dumplings in a greased casserole dish or iron skillet. Pour the sauce evenly over your apple dumplings, using all the sauce.

BAKE AND SERVE

Bake apple dumplings in a preheated 350-degree oven until apples are done, and the pastry is a golden brown. Baking time depends on the size of your apples. The small apples take about 45 minutes to bake.

While the dumplings are baking, occasionally baste the apples with the sauce.

Serve warm with vanilla or black walnut ice cream.