Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk, a little at a time, stirring until dough clings together. Form into a ball. Divide dough into 6 pieces. On a floured work surface, roll each piece into a 7-inch round.
2. In a large bowl combine apples, pecans (if desired) and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Top each dough round with 1 cup of the apple mixture. Moisten pastry edges with water; gather edges over apple filling to enclose completely. Pinch to seal. Place dumplings seam side down in a rectangular 2-quart baking dish; set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan combine remaining 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, butter, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg; bring to boiling. Carefully pour over dumplings. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.