Apple & Cheddar Dumplings

Makes one dozen

8 9-inch refrigerated pie crusts

1/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

12 apples, peeled and cored

1/2 c. mincemeat

1/2 c. butter, divided

3/4 c. sugar, divided

1/4 c. brown sugar, packed

1/4 c. whipping cream

zest of 1/2 lemon

Let pie crusts stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cut into twelve 6-inch by 6-inch squares. Spoon one teaspoon Cheddar cheese in the center of each square; top with an apple. Fill the center of each apple with 2 teaspoons mincemeat, one tablespoon butter and one tablespoon sugar. Bring opposite corners of dough together over the apple; pinch together. Blend together brown sugar, cream and lemon zest; brush over dumplings. Arrange dumplings in a buttered 13"x9" baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes, until golden. Serve warm with cream.

Icy-cold milk is a must with just-baked cookies and pies. Just for fun, serve it up in vintage half-pint milk bottles. Don’t forget the bendy straws!