Washington - The Evergreen State, State flower: Western Rhododendron

1. Apple and Cranberry Salad
2. Western-Baked Salmon with Bacon
3. Minted Carrots
4. Leek Pie
5. Herb Bread
6. Apple Dumplings

Apple Dumplings - Serves 4

Pastry for a two-crust pie
4 medium apples, peeled and cored
1 cup sugar
2 cups water
¼ tsp cinnamon
3 Tbsp butter

Roll out pastry 1/8" thick and cut into four 7" squares. Set an apple onto each square of pastry; pack the centers with filling. Fold pastry around apples in an envelope fashion, pinching the edges together.

Make a syrup by boiling together the sugar, water, cinnamon and butter for 3 minutes. Place the dumplings in a shallow baking pan, pour the syrup over them and bake at 425º for about 40 minutes.

FILLING:

¾ cup sugar
4 Tbsp softened butter
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup nutmeg

Cream together the butter and sugar; add the remaining ingredients. Use for filling in the apples.

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