Desjardins Group, CoStar Group, Ultra Mobile, Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, Scholastic, Aberdeen Asset Management, Accenture, Publicis Groupe S.A., Angel Publishing-angelpub.com, Caterpillar, VF Corporation, Deutsche Telekom, Living Essentials, Marketing VF, AppsFlyer, Atlassian, General Mills, eBay Inc, Demant, Indivior, Johns Hopkins University, IAC, Belhaven University, Light In The Box, Hiscox, Israeli Government, V Shred, Tapestry, Incm Nestlem Kimberly-Clark, Kimberly-Clark, Argos Holdings, Tailored Brands, Fun Grab, Greeneden U.S. Holdings II, Crowd Strike, Calgary Co-op Travel, Pinterest Inc, Aflac, ClearChoice,

Strudel with cherries and almonds

by

Introduction:
Strudel with cherries and almonds is a delightful pastry that combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with the nutty crunch of almonds, all wrapped in flaky, buttery layers of pastry. Originating in Central Europe, strudel has become a beloved dessert enjoyed around the world for its irresistible combination of textures and flavors. This version, filled with juicy cherries and toasted almonds, offers a delicious twist on the classic strudel recipe, perfect for any occasion.

Origin and Cultural Significance:
Strudel is a traditional pastry that originated in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, with roots tracing back to the 17th century. It is especially popular in countries such as Austria, Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Originally made with a simple dough stretched thin enough to read a love letter through, modern strudel recipes often use phyllo or puff pastry for convenience. Cherries and almonds are classic ingredients in European desserts, and their combination in strudel adds a delightful sweetness and crunch. Strudel with cherries and almonds is often enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet treat with coffee or tea.

Ingredients Quantity:

  • Phyllo dough sheets: 10 sheets (thawed if frozen)
  • Cherries, pitted and halved: 2 cups
  • Almonds, sliced or chopped: 1/2 cup
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
  • Butter, melted: 1/4 cup
  • Bread crumbs or finely ground almonds: 1/4 cup (for filling)
  • Powdered sugar: For dusting (optional)

Optional Additions:

  • Lemon zest for added brightness
  • Almond extract for enhanced almond flavor
  • Raisins or dried cranberries for additional sweetness and texture
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherries, sliced almonds, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Toss until the cherries and almonds are evenly coated.
  3. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface and brush it lightly with melted butter.
  4. Sprinkle a thin layer of bread crumbs or finely ground almonds over the buttered phyllo sheet.
  5. Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo sheets, layering them on top of each other and brushing each layer with melted butter and sprinkling with bread crumbs or ground almonds.
  6. Once all the phyllo sheets are stacked, spoon the cherry and almond mixture along one edge of the phyllo stack, leaving a border around the edges.
  7. Roll the phyllo stack tightly around the cherry and almond filling, folding in the edges as you roll to seal in the filling.
  8. Place the rolled strudel seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Brush the top of the strudel with the remaining melted butter.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the strudel is golden brown and crispy.
  11. Remove the strudel from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
  12. Dust the top of the strudel with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.

Assembly and Serving:

  1. Slice the baked strudel into portions using a serrated knife.
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature, either plain or with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.
  3. Enjoy the delicious combination of cherries and almonds in each bite of the strudel.

Tips for Success:

  • Be gentle when handling the phyllo dough to prevent tearing. If a sheet does tear, simply patch it together with melted butter.
  • Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor, or use thawed frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available.
  • Toast the almonds before adding them to the filling for enhanced flavor and crunch.
  • Serve the strudel soon after baking for the crispiest texture, as it may soften slightly as it sits.

Nutritional Information:
(The nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Conclusion and Recommendation:
Strudel with cherries and almonds is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of European pastry tradition. With its flaky layers of phyllo dough, juicy cherries, and crunchy almonds, this strudel offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether enjoyed as a dessert after a meal or as a special treat with coffee or tea, strudel with cherries and almonds is sure to impress and delight. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in the deliciousness of this classic pastry creation!

Leave a Comment