Dough

2 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons sugar

2 sticks butter

4-6 tablespoons ice water

Enough flour keep dough from sticking to the surface of the work area, Chill dough 1 hour. Roll dough into large rectangle, 1/8 th inch thick. Cut into four eight inch squares. Core four apples and place in the center of the of dough. Fill apples with the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons brandy, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon butter, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Sprinkle each apple with the juice of 1 quarter of a fresh lemon. Fold all four corners of dough toward center and twist to seal. use extra pieces of dough to decorate if desired. Beat together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon heavy cream in a small bowl, brush crusts. prepare syrup recipe below to bast apple dumplings as they bake.

Syrup

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 cups apple juice

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 cup brandy

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes, baste with syrup, bake an additional 10 minutes, baste with syrup, bake 10 minutes longer. Serve warm with syrup spooned on the apple dumpling. A spoon of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg makes this a special treat. Cider may be substituted for the brandy if desired. Apple cider may be used instead of brandy.