APPLE DUMPLINGS WITH SPICED BOURBON CARAMEL SAUCE

Apple Dumplings with Spiced Bourbon Caramel Sauce image

Provided by Ann JONES

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 23

SPICED BOURBON CARAMEL SOUCE
2 c water
1 c sugar
2 Tbsp bourbon
3/4 c packed brown sugar
4 tsp unsalted butter
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 tsp salt
DUMPLING DOUGH
2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 c shortening
2 to 3 Tbsp ice cold water
APPLES
6 tart apples (like granny smith) peeled and cored
1/4 c packed brown sugar
1/4 c sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch salt
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
GARNISH WITH ICE CREAM

Steps:

1. Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees F. To make the sauce, combine "sauce" ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to boil, reduce to low simmer 5 minutes, cook and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
2. To make the dough, combine ingredients except the water and use a pastry blender to cut in shortening. Add 2 tablespoons of water and stir to combine. Add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until dough is sticking together but not sticky. Dump on a floured surface and knead, work into a ball. Divide and form into 6 balls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to roll out. Roll each dough ball into a large square - large enough to wrap around the apple.
3. Set an apple in the center of each square. Mix together sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over apples. Bring sides of dough together to cover apples; press to seal. Place seam-side down in a greased 13"x9" baking pan. Pour caramel sauce over dumplings.
4. Bake at 500 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and apples are tender. Serve with a scoop of ice cream and drizzled with sauce.