Apple Dumplings

6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored

2 ready-made 9-inch pie crusts

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons of butter

For the Sauce:

2 cups apple cider

3 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and keep it aside for now.

Divide your pie crusts into 6 even sections. Roll each one into a roughly 7-inch square or circle. You want these big enough to entirely envelop each apple. Place an apple on each dough piece, with the cored part facing up.

In a small bowl, combine your brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Evenly distribute this mixture among your apples, stuffing some into the hollow cores and scattering the rest around the base of each apple.

Slice your butter into 6 equal pieces. Put one slice into the core of each apple.

Wrap the corners of the dough around each apple, making sure to pinch the edges together securely. Your apples should now be completely encased. Place your finished dumplings into the prepared baking pan.

Let's make that irresistible sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all the sauce ingredients. Stir this mixture constantly until it reaches a low boil. After the sugar has dissolved, let it cook for an additional minute, then remove from the heat. Allow your sauce to cool for 5 minutes before evenly pouring it over your dumplings.

Pop your dumplings into your preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. They're done when they're gorgeously golden brown and the apples inside are tender.

Allow your dumplings to rest for 10 minutes after leaving the oven. Serve them warm, preferably with a scoop of ice cream and a generous drizzle of the extra sauce.

Extra Tips:

Storage: Keep any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F.

The Best Apples for Dumplings: While I prefer the tartness of Granny Smith apples, you can choose any apple you love. Fuji, Honey Crisp, or Snapdragon apples are all fantastic options.

No Apple Cider?: If you can't find apple cider, apple juice will do just fine. But keep in mind, apple cider adds a touch more depth to the flavor.

Feeling Spicy?: Try adding cinnamon candies (like red hots) to the center of your apples before wrapping them. This gives your dumplings a spicy, cinnamon-filled surprise in every bite, a fun twist on the classic recipe.