Grandma's Apple Strudel

Grandma's AMAZING Apple Strudel

Oh, what can even be said for the comforts of familiar food, especially baked goods?? Like I've mentioned before, some of my favorite recipes are ones found in the family recipe book. This is no exception. No one can make Apple Strudel quite alike Grandma could, although many of us try! My aunt makes a pretty good equivalent, and I'd like to think I also make a close replica of Grandma's but there must have been an extra cup of love she put into hers! No matter what, having this brings back so many good memories, so it's one of my favorite things to make!

This isn't a strudel like most people think of a strudel. It doesn't have a crispy, light, flaky crust (like puff pastry), but is more like a pie crust.

Apple Strudel

(when Grandma got a bumper crop of apples)

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup margarine (I use butter), softened

1 egg yolk, beaten with milk added to equal 2/3 cup liquid (save egg white for top crust)

10 apples

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp. milk

Combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening and butter or margarine with a pastry blender. Add egg yolk/milk mixture and stir until combined. Roll half of dough into a 17x12 inch rectangle which will fit into and up the sides of an 11x15 inch pan. (I divide the dough in fourths to make it in 2 9x9 inch pans to freeze one pan.) Pare and slice the apples, filling the crust.

combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples. Roll out remaining dough and place on top. Seal edges and cut slits in top of dough.

Beat egg white until frothy and brush on top of crust. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 50 minutes, placing a piece of foil over pan for the last 20 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Let cool for 20-30 minutes, then combine powdered sugar and milk to a drizzling consistency and drizzle over top of pastry.

**If you want to freeze on of the strudels, after baked and completely cooled, cover tightly with foil and place in a plastic zip freezer bag.

ENJOY, and take a bite!!