Pre-heat oven to 375º

To make the syrup, mix the first 5 ingredients, bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add butter.

Sift together dry ingredients, cutting in shortening until the mixture resembles course crumbs. Add all the milk, stir until the flour is moistened. On a lightly floured surface, roll into a 18x12 rectangle.

Cut the rectangle into six inch squares. Place apple on center of each square. Sprinkle generously with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and a slice of butter. Moisten edges of the squares, bring the corners to the center and pinch edges together.

Place 1 inch apart in a 11x7x1 1/2 inch baking pan. Pour syrup over dumplings, sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake at 375º for 35 minutes or until apples are tender.

Serve warm with ice cream.