Desserts

Cinnamon Apple Dumplings, Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned, and Lore

October 10, 2025
editor
"Cinnamon Apple Dumplings" pairs beautifully with "Lore" by Alexandra Bracken and a comforting glass of a "Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned." While you savor the warm, spicy flavors of the dumplings, immerse yourself in the mythical world of "Lore" with its rich storytelling and Greek mythology. The complements of the bourbon's rich flavors and sweet maple perfectly mirror the balance of tradition and modernity in Bracken's novel, providing a cozy and immersive experience that's perfect for a thrilling night in during the fall season.
Cinnamon Apple Dumplings

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup milk

For the Filling:

  • 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored
  • 4 teaspoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Syrup:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Make the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gradually add the milk, stirring just until the dough comes together.
  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.

Prepare the Apples:

  • Cut the rolled-out dough into 4 equal squares.
  • Place one peeled and cored apple in the center of each dough square.
  • Fill the core of each apple with 1 teaspoon of butter and sprinkle with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.

Wrap the Dumplings:

  • Bring the corners of each dough square up and over the apple, pinching the edges together to seal the dumpling completely.

Make the Syrup:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

Bake the Dumplings:

  • Place the wrapped dumplings in a greased baking dish. Pour the hot syrup over the dumplings.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.

Serve:

  • Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an added touch of decadence.

Lore

Lore

A modern spin on Greek mythology, "Lore" follows the story of Lore Perseous, who has turned her back on the hunt that occurs every seven years, where the Agon begins, and descendants of ancient bloodlines hunt the remaining gods for a chance to claim their power and immortality. However, a fate she can no longer avoid drags her back into this deadly game.
THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLER “Epic from start to finish.” —Marie Lu, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Warcross “A brilliant and breathless twist on classic mythology!” —Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Lunar Chronicles Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals. They are hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality. Long ago, Lore Perseous fled that brutal world, turning her back on the hunt’s promises of eternal glory after her family was murdered by a rival line. For years she’s pushed away any thought of revenge against the man—now a god—responsible for their deaths. Yet as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek her out: Castor, a childhood friend Lore believed to be dead, and Athena, one of the last of the original gods, now gravely wounded. The goddess offers an alliance against their mutual enemy and a way to leave the Agon behind forever. But Lore's decision to rejoin the hunt, binding her fate to Athena's, will come at a deadly cost—and it may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to bring humanity to its knees. From the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Darkest Minds comes a sweepingly ambitious, high-octane tale of power, destiny, love, and redemption.

Discussion Questions

  • How does Alexandra Bracken use Greek mythology to add depth to the modern setting of "Lore"?
  • Discuss the character development of Lore Perseous over the course of the book.
  • What role does power play in the dynamics between the characters in "Lore"?
  • How does the theme of revenge shape the story?
  • In what ways does Bracken's portrayal of gods differ from traditional mythology?
  • Analyze the significance of the Agon and its impact on the characters involved.
  • How does the author integrate themes of choice and destiny throughout the novel?
  • What is the role of loyalty among the characters, and how does it influence the plot?
  • Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by Lore and their broader implications.
  • How does the setting play a role in reflecting the themes and emotions of the story?
Authors: Alexandra Bracken
ISBN: 1234567890
Publisher: Disney Electronic Content
Published Date: 2021-01-05

Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned

Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned
This contemporary twist on the classic Old Fashioned adds a hint of maple sweetness, bringing warmth and a cozy fall feel to the traditional cocktail. Perfect for sipping alongside a tale that intertwines modern and myth.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz pure maple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Orange peel
  • Luxardo cherry, for garnish

Instructions

  • In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters over ice.
  • Stir well until the mixture is well chilled.
  • Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  • Express the orange peel over the glass by twisting it to release the oils, then drop it into the drink.
  • Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.