Apple dumplings

1. Bring 1 ½ cups sugar, 2 cups water, ¼ tsp. cinnamon, and ¼ tsp. nutmeg to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in ¼ cup butter, and set aside. Combine flour baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until crumbly; add milk, stirring until dry ingredients are moistened. Shape into a ball. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll into an 18x12 inch rectangle. Cut into 6 (6 inch) squares. Place 1 apple in center of each square. Combine 1/3 cup sugar, remaining cinnamon, and remaining nutmeg; sprinkle over apples. Top with remaining ¼ cup butter. Moisten dough edges with water; pull corners over apples, pinching to seal. Place dumplings in a lightly greased a 13x9 inch dish. Pour syrup over dumplings. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes or until golden brown.