Apple Dumplings Recipe

Apple dumplings are a traditional American dessert that originated in the northeastern United States, particularly in Pennsylvania Dutch country. They are made by wrapping apple slices in pastry dough, then baking them with a sweet sauce. While they have roots in American cuisine, variations of apple dumplings can be found in other regions as well.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized apples
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the pastry:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and core the apples. You can leave them whole or slice them, according to your preference.
3. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Once boiled, reduce the heat and let it simmer while preparing the pastry.
4. For the pastry, mix the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water and mix until a smooth dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to fit around an apple.
6. Place an apple in the center of each rolled-out dough portion. Fold the dough over the apple, sealing the edges. Use a fork to make decorative vents on the top.
7. Arrange the wrapped apples in a greased baking dish.
8. Pour the simmering syrup over the apples.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. Remove from the oven and serve warm. Optionally, you can serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with warm sauce. Enjoy!

Here are some key tips for making apple dumplings:

1. Choose Your Apples: Select apples that are sweet and firm. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp often work well.
2. Chill the Dough: After preparing the dough, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the dough to be more easily handled and elastic.
3. Roll the Dough Thin: Be careful not to roll the dough too thick. Rolling it thinly will result in a nicer, crispier texture when baked.
4. Fill the Apples Well: When wrapping the apples, stretch the dough to completely cover each apple and seal tightly. Ensure the edges of the dough are tightly sealed around the apples.
5. Boil the Syrup Properly: When boiling the syrup, stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then simmer over low heat until slightly thickened. This will make the dessert more flavorful and syrupy.
6. Bake the Apples Evenly: When baking the apples, arrange them evenly and rotate the baking dish every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
7. Serve Hot: Apple dumplings are best served hot. Serve immediately after baking, and optionally, accompany with vanilla ice cream or warm sauce.

By following these tips, you can create delicious and perfect apple dumplings!

The type of this dish is dessert or can be classified as a sweet snack. Apple dessert is a dessert made by wrapping apples in dough and cooking them, usually with a sweet sauce. Hence, it falls into the dessert category and is often included among sweet dishes.