Dumplings:

1. Mix flour, baking powder and salt.

2. Add vegetable shortening and blend with pastry blender.

3. Add milk and knead.

4. Divide into 6 balls.

5. Roll a ball into a circle large enough to encompass the apples you are using. Place an apple in the center of the dough circle. If apples are tart, add a little sugar to the center hole of the apple.

6. Carefully wrap dough around apple and press edges to seal.

7. Place on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.

8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for remainder of apples.

9. Freeze apples.

10. Once frozen, the dumplings can be transferred to a freezer bag without them sticking together.

Baking and Topping

1. Combine all topping ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.

2. Pour over dumplings that have been placed in a 9x11 pan (if baking all 6 - smaller pan for fewer dumplings)

3. Bake at 350F for 45-60 minutes until browned.