Total Time

　　Active time: 45 min Start to finish: 1 1/4 hr

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 (dessert) servings

　　

For filling

2 small tart apples such as Granny Smith (1/2 pound), peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

　　1/3 cup raisins

　　1/3 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs

　　1/3 cup packed light brown sugar

　　1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

　　1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

　　

For dough

2 cups all-purpose flour

　　2 teaspoons baking powder

　　1/2 teaspoon salt

　　3 tablespoons granulated sugar plus 1/2 tablespoon for sprinkling

　　3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

　　2 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening

　　1/2 cup whole milk plus 1/2 tablespoon for brushing

　　

For syrup

1 1/2 cups unfiltered apple cider

　　1 cup packed light brown sugar

　　Accompaniment: vanilla ice cream

　　

Make filling:

Step 1

Toss together all filling ingredients.

　　

Make dough:

Step 2

Preheat oven to 425°F.

　　

Step 3

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar into a bowl. Blend in butter and shortening with a pastry blender or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add 1/2 cup milk and stir with a fork just until mixture is moistened.

　　

Step 4

Turn out dough onto a floured work surface and gently knead 7 to 8 times, or until a soft dough forms (do not overwork dough, or dumplings will be tough). Roll out dough on a well-floured surface with a floured rolling pin into a rough 16- by 11-inch rectangle (about 3/4 inch thick). Trim to a 15- by 10-inch rectangle. Halve dough lengthwise, then cut crosswise in thirds (to form 6 squares).

　　

Fill dumplings:

Step 5

Divide filling among centers of squares. Bring all 4 corners together over filling and pinch together to seal. Transfer dumplings to a well-buttered 13- by 9- by 2-inch ceramic or glass baking dish and arrange about 1 inch apart. Brush tops with remaining 1/2 tablespoon milk and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar.

　　

Make syrup and bake dumplings:

Step 6

Bring cider and brown sugar to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.

　　

Step 7

Pour syrup around dumplings, then bake dumplings until golden brown and syrup is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve immediately.