Home-Made Austrian Pastries : Apple Strudel to die for!!

Hi! EL the Cook wants you to try this simple, finger-licking Home-Made Austrian Pastry recipe! Trust me you will impress all those around you!

 Strudel has is origins in Vienna, Austria and consists of a pastry jacket with a filling of marinated fruit or even savory fillings such as potatoes or various kinds of meat. Apple Strudel is the national dish of Austria and Austrians take pride in serving this dish to their guests.

Heres what you need to make this dish:
 

Cooking Time: Prep: 15 min.+ Bake: 10 min.

INGREDIENTS(For 8 servings):

• 5 medium apples, peeled and chopped (5 cups)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
•  3 small frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1/4 cup caramel pellets
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
• Flour for dusting 
• Fresh Cream for serving. 

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT:

• Rolling Pin
• A Large glass bowl
• Aluminum foil
• Microwave grill 
• A Large Saucepan
• Slotted Spoon
• Parchment Paper/Butter Paper

METHOD:

• Preheat microwave oven to 375°F . In a large saucepan, combine the first five ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes or until apples are tender, stirring occasionally. Cool completely.
•  Roll out a sheet of  puff-pastry on the parchment paper 3 inches x 8 inches ( Traditional apple strudel is made larger about 16 inches x 12 inches, but I like smaller bite size pieces as they tend not to get soggy on the bottom and can be eaten easily). Place the apples on the puff-pastry sheet with a slotted spoon to avoid any liquid on the pastry
• Now, with the another sheet of pastry, make fine strips and line the edges of the bottom pastry sheet to form a border. This will ensure the  apples to stay in the middle of the pastry and not ooze out.  

•  Now, beat the egg and coat the edges with the egg-wash. Gently add a similar-sized sheet of the puff pastry to the top, taking care that it does not tare. You should have something like this

• Crimp the edges of the pastry using a fork, and with a knife, give cuts on the top puff pastry sheet. You can add your design as show above. Egg wash the top of the pastry for the glaze.
• Place your pastry gently on a microwave grill coated with foil.
• Microwave for 10-15 mins till the puff pastry turns golden brown.
• Allow to cool and serve with a dollop of fresh cream.

Enjoy this recipe with a morning coffee to brighten your day!
Bon Apetit!