Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
In a small saucepan mix all the ingredients for the syrup and heat over low heat until sugar dissolves thoroughly. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder. Cut shortening into dry ingredients and then add milk. Gather together until dough forms. On a floured surface, roll out dough into a rectangle and cut into 6 equal squares.
Place equal amount of apple slices on each dough square; sprinkle with a little cinnamon and sugar. Bring edges of dough up; seal. Place in prepared baking pan; pour syrup over dumpling& Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve with ice cream. Makes 6 dumplings. Enjoy!