Dried Plum And Cheese Strudel Food

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

ROASTED PLUM STRUDEL

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut plums in half, and remove pits. Cut halves into 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, combine plums, lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon, and toss well.
• Divide plum mixture in half, and arrange in two 9-by-13-inch glass baking dishes. Roast, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, 25 to 30 minutes. Plum juices will reduce to a glaze during roasting. Remove plums from oven, and cool completely. Recipe can be prepared to this point 1 day ahead.
• Unroll phyllo; cover unused portion with a damp kitchen towel as you work to prevent it from drying out. Cover work surface with parchment paper. Place a sheet of phyllo on parchment; brush evenly and lightly with melted butter. Cover with another sheet of phyllo, and brush again with butter. Sprinkle half the pistachios over this layer. Repeat process with two more layers of phyllo and remaining pistachios, then top with two more layers of buttered phyllo.
• With the long side of the pastry toward you, spoon cooled plums along its length, 1 inch from the edge nearest you. Using the parchment to help you, gently roll up dough to encase the plums. Don't roll the pastry too tightly.
• Brush strudel lightly with butter, and carefully lift it onto a large baking sheet. Bake until pastry is golden brown and fruit is bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool on pan for at least 20 minutes; use two spatulas to transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into slices.