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I am constantly amazed at how animated and talkative people get when you mention food. The mere aroma of certain foods can evoke memories that transport us back to a special place and time. Food can bridge the gap between all ages, races and ethnicities.
Let's face it, the only thing that should ever come between people is a table and some serving bowls.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Don't Stress Over Strudel

Who doesn’t love a good strudel but making a true strudel dough and rolling it out can be extremely labor intensive. Making strudel is such a culinary art form; I put it right up there with the small percentage of bakers who still make their own Phyllo dough. I have actually made strudel the traditional way, it was difficult to say the least but worth every last bite when it was done. I just don’t have the time or enough space in my kitchen to accommodate making strudel the old fashioned way. So here is a recipe for a very simple strudel dough where you make 4 smaller strudels (a little thicker than traditional) from one recipe. This dough is light, buttery and delicious, plus you do not require a huge surface for rolling out the dough. The fillings can be altered to whatever ingredients you prefer. You may also change this from a sweet strudel to a savory one just by adding meat or vegetables instead.

Helpful Tip - If you are really strapped for time just use store bought phyllo dough.


Less stress strudel

1/2 lb. butter
1 sm. carton commercial sour cream
2 cups flour
1 cup jam – any flavor you like. I usually do raspberry or apricot
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
powdered sugar

Blend together butter and sour cream; mix in flour to make a soft dough. Separate into 4 equal balls. Wrap in saran wrap or waxed paper. Refrigerate 1 hour.
Mix jam, raisins and nuts. Roll each ball of pastry about 1/2 inch thick. Roll up jelly roll fashion and lay on ungreased sheet. Bake in preheated oven, 350 degrees, about 40 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered (confectioners') sugar and slice to serve.

8 comments:

Shruthi said...

Ohmigosh.. this looks absolutely scrumptious!

Chris said...

Yum! I just got back from Vienna and saw a strudel demonstration (going to try to upload it to YouTube) - and brought back the recipe. I do want to attempt (I whisper the word) the recipe I got, but will definitely try this one, too!

Julie said...

Chris, your trip sounds like a little slice of heaven. Good luck with the traditional strudel, it hands down is the best and well worth it in the end. It's just a huge labor of love....to put it nicely.

Julie said...

Shruthie, You can't go wrong with strudel, it's a delicious pastry. Fill it with sweet or savory and enjoy.

Thistlemoon said...

Those look so cute and such a great way to prepare them!

Julie said...

Thanks Jenn, It's just a much easier way to make strudel.

La Belle Aurore said...

Julie,

As a break maker myself, I will make them for sure, this pm.. and post a picture of them on my side to redirect it to yours. Marvelous recipe...I'm baking...

Julie said...

Hi Misty Mexican, you can have so much fun creating your own flavors.... enjoy.