When fresh peaches are unavailable use 1 3/4 pound of unsweetened tinned peach halves, drained, dried with kitchen paper and sliced. For a special occasion, sift 1 level teaspoon of Confectioner’s sugar over the strudel and put a teaspoon of Greek yoghurt beside each serving.
ingredients
serves 6
3/8 cup ground almonds
1 level tablespoon superfine sugar
1 level teaspoon ground mixed spice
Finely grated rind of 1 lemon
7/8 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
4 phyllo pastry sheets (each 12 x 17-inches)
2 tablespoons shortening, melted
4 large ripe peaches, skinned, stoned and sliced
method
OVEN: Preheat to 200°C (400°F)
1. Mix the almonds, sugar, spice and lemon rind with 1/2 cup of the breadcrumbs.
2. On a large clean teacloth, lay half the sheets of pastry, trimmed as necessary and with edges overlapping, to form a rectangle about 20 x 16 inch. Arrange the rectangle so that one of its long sides is nearest to you. Brush lightly with melted margarine. Arrange a second layer of pastry sheets on top in the same way and brush with a little more shortening.
3. Spread the ground almond mixture in a 4 inch strip along the side nearest to you, setting it in 2 inch from the edge. Arrange the peach slices on top of the mixture.
4. Fold the two short sides in by 1 inch, and fold the clear 2 inch strip of pastry over the peaches. Lift the edge of the teacloth nearest to you so that the strudel begins to roll away from you. Keep lifting until the strudel is completely rolled. Carefully lay the strudel, seam side down, on a nonstick baking sheet.
5. Brush the remaining margarine over the strudel and sprinkle with the remaining breadcrumbs. Bake in the heated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Serve the strudel warm.
When fresh peaches are unavailable use 1 3/4 pound of unsweetened tinned peach halves, drained, dried with kitchen paper and sliced. For a special occasion, sift 1 level teaspoon of Confectioner’s sugar over the strudel and put a teaspoon of Greek yoghurt beside each serving.
more information
If the peach skins will not pull off easily, put the fruit in a heatproof bowl, pour boiling water over them, leave for minute then rinse with cold water. The skin will come away easily.
