Anticipating Spring.............
Spring is coming
This was a very strange winter. We didn't get a lot of snow and what we did get was in February. It was hard to know what to expect day to day, although the news did a pretty good job of keeping us informed. We are just now starting to see warmer weather. It was in the 50's yesterday and today, which is just nature's way of inviting us outside.
The warm weather combined with a strange winter has me thinking of spring planting. I took a look at our flower boxes today and am starting to get the itch to clear them out and start planting again. I can't wait to see the tulips and crocuses start to sprout. They are so colorful and beautiful.
It may not be time yet, but I'm already thinking of the garden we'll be planting this summer. I love the fresh tomatoes straight from the vine. My mother always used to tell me there's nothing better for a summer lunch than a tomato sandwich on homemade wheat bread. She's right. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait for awhile until it's later on in summer.
Until that time, make yourself some good old fashioned apple dumplings and enjoy the sweet indulgence!
Recipe Box - Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 cups water
2 tbsp butter
2 1/2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
scant 3/4 cup milk
apples - sliced small
Directions:
Make thin syrup by mixing sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, water and butter for 5 minutes
Keep warm
Cut shortening into sifted flour, baking powder and salt until fine as cornmeal. Stir in just enough milk to make soft dough.
Roll out on floured board to 1/4" thickness in rectangular form
Spread with melted butter, filled with apples
Sprinkle apples with sugar and cinamon
Roll as for a jelly roll and slice 3/4" thick
Place in large pan - pour syrup over apple roll slices
Bake at 3500 for about 45 minutes or until light brown on top.