Papa's Apple Dumpings

My Daddy started chuckwagon cooking in dutch ovens a few years ago & mainly cooks when he goes to Colorado and for friends and the like. When my father-in-law turned 80 a few weeks ago, I asked Daddy if he would cook all the sides: Red Beans, Cowboy Potatoes, Biscuits, and Apple Dumplings. Of course he said yes, he seldom ever tells me "no"...in fact I really can't remember when the last time he told me "no" was...not because I am spoiled, (Ok, admittedly a little) but because this man would do just about anything to help me, or make my life easier. Of course, he also got to spend the day with his favorite redhead!

Here are step-by-step directions for making this YUMMY dessert:

1. Grease or spray a cast iron dutch oven.

2. Peel and cut 4 granny smith apples into 32 slices. (you can make ahead of time & store in a container with sprite to prevent browning)

3. Wrap the apple wedge with one triangle of a refrigerator croissant roll. (4 cans)

4. Place the wrapped apples in the bottom of the dutch oven fanning them into a circle to fill the entire bottom of the dutch oven.

5. Sprinkle with 2 Cups chopped pecans and cinnamon.

6. In another dutch oven melt  4 sticks of butter, 3 Cups of sugar, 2 cans of Mountain Dew, and 2 tsp. vanilla.

7. Pour over the dumplings and cook over hot coals for approx. 45 minutes- 1 hour or until apples are tender and croissants are cooked thoroughly.
(in conventional oven 30 min @ 350 degrees).

8. Serve with Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream & brace yourself for a little taste of Heaven.