Apple Strudel

How to cook this classic and most popular dessert in Czech Republic.

Apple strudel ( Jablecny zavin ) is a traditional pastry, and is the most widely known kind of strudel.
Apple strudel is a classic and most popular dessert. It's a large rectangular pastry turnover, easily recognizable because of its nice high stacks of apple layers. Can be served warm or cold, usually sprinkled with powdered sugar or with vanilla custard, though vanilla ice cream or whipped cream are also very popular. If you don't feel up to making the dough yourself, use phyllo pastry… you'll have a less traditional strudel, but one that is just as delicious.

APPLE STRUDEL - recipe

There are more varieties and every family has slightly different recipe. Apple strudel is one of those dishes that everyone swears their own mother makes best.

STRUDEL DOUGH

2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 whole egg
1 tbsp. butter
3/4 c. lukewarm water

Mix flour, egg, butter, and salt, Add lukewarm water and mix. Place on board and knead for 10 minutes. The more you knead the dough the better it will be to work with. Place in greased bowl. Cover and let rest for 1 hour. Divide dough in half.

How to Stretch Dough: Spread table with cloth to hang over sides. Sprinkle lightly with flour and place dough in center. With a floured rolling pin, roll out dough into 8 inch circle. Slide hands gently under dough and let dough rest on the back of your hands, with your palms down. Now pull the dough gently toward you. Stretch and pull dough as you go around. Dough should be thin as tissue paper.

APPLE FILLING:

4 lbs. of apples
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tbsp. flour
Peel apples and slice. Add sugar, cinnamon, flour and mix. Brush melted butter over dough. Spread 1/2 apple mixture over dough. Fold sides up and over the filling and roll. Pick table cloth up to roll. Shape roll to fit 9 x 13 inch greased with melted butter. Brush the roll generously with melted butter. Bake at 180 C degrees for 45 minutes, until lightly brown.

Dobrou chuť ! - Enjoy your meal!