Cherry Strudel Recipe

Cherry Strudel Recipe

History of Cherry Strudel:
Cherry Strudel is a traditional dessert that originated in Central Europe. The strudel is believed to have been brought to Europe by the Ottoman Empire during the 17th century. Strudels were originally made with thin layers of dough filled with various sweet fillings. Over time, different variations of strudels developed in different countries, with cherry strudel being one of the most popular variations.

Fun Facts about Cherry Strudel:
- Cherry strudel is commonly enjoyed in countries such as Austria, Germany, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.
- The word "strudel" is derived from the German word "strudel," meaning "whirlpool" or "eddy," which describes the shape of the rolled pastry.
- Traditional cherry strudel can also be made with sour cream or cream cheese filling instead of almonds.
- In Czech cuisine, cherry strudel is often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream on top.
- Cherry strudel is a popular dessert during the summer months when cherries are in season.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Cherry Strudel!

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
- Lukewarm water
- 2 quarts of sour cherries, stemmed and pitted
- Stale bread (about a plateful), grated
- Peel of half a lemon, grated
- 1 cup of sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- 4 ounces of pounded sweet almonds
- Melted goose-oil or butter
- Butter or goose-fat, for greasing

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add lukewarm water while mixing until the dough comes together. The dough should be smooth and not too stiff. If it becomes too stiff, add a little more water.

2. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead it by slapping it back and forth for about fifteen minutes. This process helps to develop the gluten in the dough and make it more elastic.

3. Once the dough is well-kneaded, place it in a warm, covered bowl and let it rest in a warm place for half an hour. This will allow the dough to relax and become easier to work with.

4. While the dough is resting, prepare the cherry filling. In a separate bowl, combine the pitted sour cherries, grated stale bread, grated lemon peel, sugar, ground cinnamon, and pounded sweet almonds. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a long baking pan with either butter or goose-fat.

6. Take the rested dough and roll it out as thin as possible. To achieve the desired thinness, you can lay aside the rolling pin and pull or stretch the dough with your hands. It should be as thin as tissue paper.

7. Remove any thick edges from the stretched dough. These can be used to make another strudel at a later time.

8. Brush a little melted goose-oil or butter over the stretched dough, ensuring it is evenly coated.

9. Sprinkle the bread, sugar, almonds, and cherry mixture evenly over the dough. Leave a small border around the edges.

10. Carefully roll the strudel together into a long roll, starting from one end and rolling tightly. The filling should be securely enclosed within the dough.

11. Transfer the rolled strudel onto the greased baking pan and shape it into a pretzel shape.

12. Brush the top of the strudel with more melted goose-oil or butter to promote a golden brown and crispy crust.

13. Place the baking pan with the strudel in the preheated oven and bake until it is light brown. While the strudel is baking, baste it frequently with the melted goose-oil or butter to keep it moist and add extra flavor.

14. Once baked, remove the cherry strudel from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Cherry strudel is traditionally enjoyed warm.

Serve the cherry strudel as is or dust it with powdered sugar for added sweetness. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla sauce.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Apple Strudel: Instead of cherries, use thinly sliced apples as the filling for a delicious apple strudel. You can also add raisins and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor.
- Cheese Strudel: Replace the cherry filling with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. This delightful variation is often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch pastry.
- Pumpkin Strudel: During the fall season, you can create a pumpkin strudel by filling the dough with a mixture of cooked pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Nutella Strudel: For a modern twist on the classic, spread Nutella generously over the rolled-out dough and top it with chopped hazelnuts. This indulgent treat is perfect for chocolate lovers.

Whether you choose to make traditional cherry strudel or explore different variations, strudels are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a journey to create this flaky, fruity delight!

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