Apple Dumplings

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter.
2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s okay if there are some larger chunks of butter.
3. Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, while gently stirring the mixture with a fork. Continue adding water until the dough starts to come together.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into 8 slices each. In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
7. Remove the dough discs from the refrigerator and roll each one into a 6-inch circle.
8. Place a portion of the sugared apple slices in the center of each dough circle. Top with a few cubes of unsalted butter.
9. Fold the dough over the apples, sealing the edges. Place the dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
10. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, water, and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
11. Pour the sauce over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
13. Serve the apple dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade apple dumplings!

Note: You can customize this recipe by adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for extra flavor and texture.