Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 package (17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Special Equipment Needed:
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Rolling pin
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Add the sliced apples to the caramel sauce and stir until the apples are coated.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle approximately 12x16 inches.
7. Cut the pastry into 6 equal rectangles.
8. Spoon the apple mixture onto the center of each pastry rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
9. Fold the edges of the pastry up and over the apples, pressing gently to seal.
10. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash.
11. Brush the egg wash over the pastry.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
13. Let the strudels cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 580
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 114mg
Sodium: 327mg
Carbohydrates: 63g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 39g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar.
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter.
- Light brown sugar can be used instead of light corn syrup.
Variations:
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for added crunch.
- Use different spices, such as ginger or allspice, to flavor the apple mixture.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished strudels for a decadent touch.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to use a large enough saucepan to prevent the caramel sauce from boiling over.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the apples into even slices.
- Thaw the puff pastry according to the package instructions to ensure it rolls out easily.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover strudels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the strudels, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the strudels on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped nuts
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Hot apple cider
- Coffee or tea
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the caramel sauce is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to thin it out.
- If the pastry is not browning evenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to wash the apples thoroughly before peeling and slicing.
- Store any leftover strudels in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
Food History:
Strudel is a traditional pastry that originated in Austria and is popular throughout Central Europe. It is typically made with a thin, flaky pastry dough filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
Flavor Profiles:
This caramel apple strudel is sweet, buttery, and spiced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the strudels warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.
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Taste: Sweet, Caramelized, Fruity, Tart, Rich