Apple-Cheddar Dumplings

If you love eating apples and sliced cheese, this is be perfect for snack or with a glass of wine.

Ingredients:

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup chopped pecans

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)

½ cup butter, cut into cubes

6 to 8 tablespoons cold water

2 medium Granny Smith or Jonathan apples, peeled, cored and chopped (about 2 cups)

3 tablespoons apricot preserves

1. Combine the brown sugar and pecans; set aside.

2. Put flour, ½ cup of the cheddar cheese, granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a food processor and mix with one on/off pulse. Add the butter. Process until the mixtures resembles small peas. Slowly add enough water, while the processor is running, to turn the mixture into a ball. Gently knead until smooth. (This can be done without a food processor.)

3. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F.

4. Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface into an 8-inch circle.

5. Place 3 tablespoons cheddar cheese and ¼ cup chopped apple in the center of the dough circle. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon nut mixture, and brush the edges with water.

6. Wrap the dough edges around the apples and cheese and press together to seal. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, sealed sides up.

7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until pastry is light golden brown. Spoon some apricot preserves on top of each dumpling. Cool 20 minutes. Serve warm. Makes about 8 servings.