To begin making the apple dumpling, the first step is to find great looking apples. The Washington Apple Commission encourages consumers when buying apples to look at the skin of the apple because, "an apple's skin should be shiny, not dull. Dull appearing apples won't be crisp and tasty."
The flavors of most fruits are enhanced through baking although the mighty apple is delicious picked straight from the tree. The following recipe for apple dumplings is simple to follow and looks beautiful when served. For a small or large party, this dessert is a classic that never goes out of style.
Best Apple Dumpling Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup diced mixed dried fruit
- 3 Tblsp Sunkist Butter Toffee glazed almonds
- 2 to 3 Tblsp butter
- 1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 small apples
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 6 whole cloves
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Add butter in small chunks and stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbles. Stir in 5-6 tablespoons cold water until the dough holds together nicely. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix dried fruit, nuts, 2 to 3 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Peel apples and core them with a melon baller but do not go all the way to the bottom. Press dried fruit and nut mixture into cavities. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease baking sheet.
- Reserve 1/3 cup of dough. On a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll out the remaining dough into a large rectangle. Cut dough into six squares (approximately 7 inches each)
- Mix remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and roll apples in sugar mixture. Place each in center of dough square.
- Bring the dough up over the top of the apple and press to shape while sealing the edges.
- Roll reserved dough 1/4 of an inch thick. Using a knife, cut out as many leaves as the dough will allow. Score the leaves with a sharp knife to make veins.
- Attach leaves. Place cloves in top of dumplings to make 'apple stems'. Brush completed dumplings with egg wash.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until pastry is a light golden brown.
- Variation: Use frozen pie crust dough instead of making your own to save on prep time.
Grandmother knew what she was doing when she made this beautifully constructed apple dumpling dessert. She grew the apples, picked the apples and baked them with perfect precision. Try it and see.
For more ideas on how to use baked apples, go here to find apple waffles, apple cake and slow-cooked apple recipes.
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