SKILL LEVEL: Master
PREP: 20 minutes
RISING: 1 hour
BAKING: 20 minutes
MAKES: 1 strudel
PAIRS WELL WITH: Finger sandwiches, light luncheon of meats and cheeses, mimosas
SKILL LEVEL: Master
PREP: 20 minutes
RISING: 1 hour
BAKING: 20 minutes
MAKES: 1 strudel
PAIRS WELL WITH: Finger sandwiches, light luncheon of meats and cheeses, mimosas
Not just any mage can conjure up this mana strudel—but with some dedication and time spent on mastering your magical skills, this delicious high-level treat can be yours.
1 /2 batch Buttery Pastry Dough
1 /2 cup cherry or red berry jam
4 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 /4 teaspoon vanilla
Egg to glaze
1 batch Drizzled Icing and Glaze
Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and set aside a large baking sheet.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough on top of a piece of lightly floured parchment paper into a square roughly 14 x 14 inches, and no thicker than 1 /4 inch. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture in a strip down the middle third of the square, covering roughly 1/3 of the dough and leaving an inch and a half bare on either end. Spread the jam over the cream cheese mixture.
4. Using a sharp knife, cut out the corners of the dough, leaving a little flap at both ends of the filling. Slice the sides of the strudel into 1-inch wide strips. Trim the sides, if necessary, for a straighter line. Fold both the end flaps up over the filling, then starting on one end, begin laying the strips diagonally over the filling toward the other side. Alternate sides, always laying the new strip over the previous one. Continue until the whole pastry is bundled up. Taking great care, pick up the parchment paper and slide it onto the baking sheet. Beat egg and brush onto the strudel.
5. Cover lightly and allow to rise for about 20 minutes, then uncover and place in the oven. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until the top of the strudel is a nice warm golden color. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before icing. Garnish with fresh berries, if you like.