Lemony Apple Dumplings

Name: Lemony Apple Dumplings
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided; 1/3 cup shortening; 4 to 5 tablespoons cold whole milk; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 4 medium baking apples, peeled and cored; 1 large egg white, beaten; LEMON SAUCE:; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup cold water; 3 tablespoons butter; 4 teaspoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest; 1/8 teaspoon salt

The first time I made this recipe, I was serving guests who had two little daughters. The girls weren't sure about eating a dessert that looked so different. But after just one bite, they proclaimed the treat "yummy" and cleaned their plates. The smooth lemon sauce adds a bit of zip. -Kristy Deloach, Baker, Louisiana

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
1/3 cup shortening
4 to 5 tablespoons cold whole milk
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 medium baking apples, peeled and cored
1 large egg white, beaten
LEMON SAUCE:
1/2 cup sugar
4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 cup cold water
3 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

Combine flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Stir in milk until pastry forms a ball; set aside. Stir brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and remaining salt to form a paste. Divide and press into center of each apple; pat any extra filling on outside of apples.
On a floured surface, roll pastry into a 14-in. square. Cut into four 7-in. squares. Place one apple in center of each square. Brush edges of pastry with egg white. Fold up corners to center; pinch to seal.
Place in a greased 9-in. square baking dish. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Meanwhile, combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in water. Bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients until smooth. Serve warm over warm dumplings.