Pumpkin Chocolate Strudel Food

APPLE STRUDEL

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Heat 75g of the sugar and the vanilla seeds in a medium, heavy-based frying pan over a medium-low heat for 5-8 mins, or until golden brown and caramelised. Add the apples, currants, sultanas, allspice, nutmeg and walnuts, then cook for 10 mins or until the apple is tender. Remove the apple mix from the pan with a slotted spoon and cool to room temperature.
• Line two baking trays with baking paper. Place a sheet of filo on one of the trays, then brush lightly with the melted butter. Sprinkle over 1 tsp sugar. Repeat the process until there are 3 layers of filo. Repeat with the remaining sheets of filo on the second tray.
• Divide the apple mix along the shorter edge of both pastry sheets and gently roll into 2 logs, tucking in the ends as you go. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle over 1 tbsp sugar. Can be made up to one day ahead, kept chilled. Bake for 25 mins, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly, then cut each strudel into 6 diagonal slices. Serve two slices each with a dollop of crème fraîche on the side.

PUMPKIN & PECAN STRUDEL

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the pumpkin or squash with the oil on a baking tray. Bake for 45 mins until really tender, then leave to cool.
• Tip the pumpkin into a food processor, whizz until smooth, then tip into a bowl. Add the sugar, almonds, breadcrumbs, egg and spices, and mix well. This can be done up to 2 days ahead.
• Lower oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Layer the pastry sheets on top of each other, brushing some melted butter and a sprinkling of sugar and chopped pecans between each sheet. Spoon the pumpkin filling along one long edge of the pastry in a long log shape, leaving a 2.5cm gap at either end. Turn up the ends, then carefully roll up the strudel and brush the edge with egg to seal.
• Transfer to a baking tray, sealed-side down. Brush with the reserved egg, drizzle over any leftover butter and sprinkle with the reserved pecans and extra sugar. Bake for 40 mins until golden and crisp. Leave to stand for 10 mins before slicing, then serve with maple syrup and cream or custard, if you like.