Grandma Flo's Apple Dumplings

Combine sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg and food coloring in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add butter. Set aside.

Sift dry ingredients and cut in shortening till it resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk and stir just till moistened. Roll out ¼ inch thick, 18 x 12, on lightly floured surface. Cut into 6" squares.

Place whole apple in center of each square. Sprinkle each generously with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dot with butter. Moisten edges of square, fold corners to center and pinch together. Place 1 inch apart in ungreased baking dish. Pour prepared syrup over dumplings, sprinkle with sugar.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes.