Russian Strudel Recipes

RUSSIAN STYLE MIXED/DRIED FRUIT STRUDEL

Steps:

• Put the flour in the bowl of an electric mixer. On slow, mix in the butter until it looks like very coarse meal. Mix in the sour cream until it masses together to form a dough. Pat into a rectangle, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight.
• Filling:
• Coarsely chop the prunes. In a small saucepan, cover the prunes with the prune juice and sugar. Bring to a simmer for 3 minutes. Place in a food processor with the vanilla and puree to a paste. Mix in the raisins, cherries and walnuts. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a square 16 by16 inches. Place the filling in a log running along the bottom and roll up. Pinch the ends closed. Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet, seam side down. Mix the egg and water together to form a wash and paint the strudel. Bake for 30 minutes until crisp and golden. Let cool on a rack, then slice into 1 inch pieces.
• This was my Grandma Bessie's baking specialty. I haven't had this since she died but my brothers and I talk of it often, trying to re-construct what was in it. I re-discovered it at the Golden Key in Brighton Beach. Can be made on a rainy day with items in the pantry

GERMAN STRUDELS

Steps:

• Combine yeast, salt, sugar, water, egg, and flour to make dough.
• Divide the dough into small balls.
• Let rest for a while.
• Roll balls to about 1/4 inch thick and spread with warm oil.
• Let the dough rest for a few minutes so the dough will stretch easily, then stretch the dough paper thin.
• Once the dough is stretched, roll it like you would for cinnamon rolls.
• Cut the dough (which is rolled up like a snake now) into 3 inch lengths.
• Coat roaster or heavy pan (you can also use and electric frying pan) with shortening or oil, put as many diced potatoes and onions as you like and season with salt and pepper.
• Add water to cover the potatoes and bring to a boil.
• Once water is boiling lay strudels on top of potatoes in two layers.
• Water should nearly cover strudels.
• COVER TIGHTLY-THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT OR RECIPE WILL NOT WORK!
• YOU CANNOT PEEK OR THE STRUDELS WILL "FALL"!
• Cook over low heat 30 to 35 minutes, or until you can hear a slight "frying" noise in the pan.
• Enjoy!

STRUDELS (GERMAN)

Steps:

• 1. Mix ingredients in order given, mixing well after each addition. Knead well and let rest in bowl. Dust a surface with flour and divide dough into 4 portions. Roll out dough thin and spread thinly with soft lard. Let rest awhile covered with clean, white dish towel.
• 2. In an electric fry pan, add 1 1/2 tablespoons lard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and about 4 - 5 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed, and 1 onion, chopped. Add enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil.
• 3. Pull strudel dough thin, working out from the center. Be careful not to tear the dough. Smear the dough thinly with a little soft lard and roll up like a jelly roll. Repeat this with each of the dough balls. Cut into 2 inch pieces and put on top of potatoes. Cover tightly and cook 20 to 25 minutes. Do not lift lid while cooking. When you hear the frying pan start to "fry" they are done. Uncover slowly and serve.

EASY APPLE STRUDEL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place apples in a large bowl. Stir in brown sugar and golden raisins; set aside. Place puff pastry on baking sheet. Roll lightly with a rolling pin. Arrange apple filling down the middle of the pastry lengthwise. Fold the pastry lengthwise around the mixture. Seal edges of pastry by using a bit of water on your fingers, and rubbing the pastry edges together. Whisk egg and milk together, and brush onto top of pastry.
• Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown.