Apple Dumpling Roll

My mom has been an awesome cook for as long as I can remember!   :-)  And she still comes up with new recipes for me . . . and this one is a good one!  She got it from a gal in North Carolina, where my sister lives.  She sent it untitled, so after I made it, I called it Apple Dumpling Roll.  It tastes like an apple dumpling but is rolled like a jelly roll.   Oooohhhh . . . so good!

Apple Dumpling Roll

Part 1:

1/2 c melted butter

Put melted butter in a 13X9 pan and set aside.

Part 2:

2 c water (can also use 1 c water, 1 c apple cider)

2 c sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Mix these three ingredients together and heat on stove, till sugar completely dissolves.

Part 3:

Peel and core about 2 c of apples.  Chop into small pieces.  Sprinkle on 1 tsp cinnamon.  Set aside.

Part 4:

1 1/2 c flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c shortening

1/3 c milk

Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.  Add shortening and cut into small particles.  Add milk and mix with fork, only till  dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.  Put on the counter and knead just until smooth.  Then roll out into a rectangle till about 1/4 inch think.  Place chopped apple on the dough.  Roll up, as a jelly roll.  Spread edges with a small amount of melted butter to help seal edges.  Slice into 8 sections.

Place slices into melted butter the prepared pan.  Pour water/sugar  mixture over the slices.   It seems like a LOT of liquid but the slices will absorb it all and make a nice sauce.  Place in a 350* oven for about 1 hour.

Serve hot with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.