Pear and Fig Strudel

Macedonian Pear and Fig Strudel Recipe with Filo Dough

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pear and Fig Strudel is a delicious and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the rich flavor of figs. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for any time of the day.

History

The origins of strudel can be traced back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where it was a popular dessert enjoyed by royalty and commoners alike. The combination of fruits and flaky pastry has been a favorite in European cuisine for centuries.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) figs
1.67 cup unsweetened pear juice
10 ripe pears
1 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp allspice
0.5 lb (227 g) filo dough
0.5 cup melted butter
1 cup toasted whole wheat bread
0.5 cup honey
0.5 cup chopped hazelnuts

How to prepare

Cover the figs with pear juice and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 25 minutes.
Puree the mixture in a blender.
Peel and core the pears, then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Combine the fig paste, pears, cinnamon, and allspice.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Butter a 9"x14" baking pan.
Layer 10 sheets of filo pastry, 2 at a time, brushing butter on every second sheet and sprinkling it with breadcrumbs.
Spread the pear filling evenly over the last sheet.
Cover with another 10 sheets of filo pastry, layered as before with butter and breadcrumbs.
Score the top sheet into pieces approximately 3" square.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, then allow to cool for 15 minutes.
Heat the honey, stirring gently until warm.
Drizzle the honey over the strudel and top with nuts.
Cut the strudel into pieces using a sharp knife.

Variations

Substitute the pears with apples or peaches for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the strudel before baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brush each layer of filo pastry with melted butter to ensure a crispy and golden crust.

- Toasting the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them on the pastry will add a nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming soggy.

- Allow the strudel to cool slightly before cutting into pieces to prevent the filling from oozing out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pear and Fig Strudel warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the filo pastry with butter and breadcrumbs helps create a crispy and flaky crust that complements the soft fruit filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If hazelnuts are not available, you can use almonds or walnuts as a substitute for added crunch and flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the pear and fig filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the strudel. This will save time on the day of baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced strudel on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Pear and Fig Strudel with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. The warm and comforting flavors will complement each other perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover strudel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pear and Fig Strudel contains around 350 calories, making it a satisfying dessert option that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pear and Fig Strudel contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and energy-rich dessert option.

Fats

With the use of butter and hazelnuts, Pear and Fig Strudel contains around 15 grams of fats per serving, providing a rich and indulgent flavor profile.

Proteins

This dessert offers a moderate amount of protein, with approximately 5 grams per serving, thanks to the nuts and whole wheat bread used in the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Pears are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, while figs provide essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium. This strudel is a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy these fruits.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and wheat in the form of hazelnuts and whole wheat bread, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any dietary restrictions before serving.

Summary

Pear and Fig Strudel is a balanced dessert option that offers a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this sweet treat as part of a well-rounded diet.

Summary

Pear and Fig Strudel is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pears and figs with a flaky pastry crust. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for any time of the day. Enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this delicious dessert with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Pear and Fig Strudel. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling in a cascade of reds and golds, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. I had been visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, a lovely woman with a penchant for baking. As we sipped tea in her cozy kitchen, she suddenly disappeared into her pantry and emerged with a tattered old cookbook.

"Ah, here it is," she exclaimed, flipping through the pages with a smile. "My grandmother's recipe for Pear and Fig Strudel. You simply must try it."

I watched in awe as Mrs. Jenkins set to work, peeling ripe pears and chopping dried figs with practiced ease. The scent of warm spices filled the air as she rolled out the delicate pastry dough and carefully arranged the fruit filling inside. As the strudel baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water.

When the timer finally dinged, Mrs. Jenkins pulled the golden-brown strudel from the oven and sliced off a generous portion for me to try. The first bite was pure bliss – the sweet, juicy pears perfectly complemented by the chewy figs and flaky pastry. I savored every bite, my taste buds tingling with delight.

As I thanked Mrs. Jenkins for sharing her family recipe with me, she smiled and said, "Recipes are meant to be shared, my dear. Take this one and make it your own. Pass it down to your grandchildren one day."

And so, I left Mrs. Jenkins' house that day with a piece of parchment paper scrawled with the recipe for Pear and Fig Strudel in my hand. Over the years, I have made this delightful dessert countless times, tweaking the ingredients here and there to suit my own tastes. Each time I bake a batch of strudel, I am transported back to that cozy kitchen with Mrs. Jenkins, my dear friend who opened my eyes to the magic of baking.

I remember another time when I learned a new twist on the classic recipe from my own grandmother. It was a warm summer afternoon, and my grandmother and I had spent the day picking fresh pears and figs from her backyard orchard. As we sat at her kitchen table, surrounded by baskets of ripe fruit, she pulled out a faded recipe card and handed it to me with a smile.

"This is my own variation on the Pear and Fig Strudel recipe," she explained. "I like to add a touch of orange zest and a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra flavor. Give it a try and see what you think."

I eagerly set to work, following my grandmother's instructions as she guided me through the process. The scent of citrus and nuts mingled with the sweet aromas of the fruit as the strudel baked to golden perfection in the oven. When it was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy the warm, fragrant dessert together.

The first bite was a revelation – the zesty orange zest added a bright, refreshing note to the rich figs and pears, while the crunchy almonds provided a satisfying contrast to the soft, flaky pastry. My grandmother beamed with pride as I declared it the best Pear and Fig Strudel I had ever tasted.

As we sat together, savoring our dessert and sharing stories of old family recipes, I realized the true power of cooking and baking. Recipes are more than just lists of ingredients and instructions – they are a connection to our past, a way to preserve memories and traditions for future generations.

And so, as I pass down the recipe for Pear and Fig Strudel to my own grandchildren, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude for all the wonderful cooks who came before me. Each bite of this delicious dessert is a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that comes from sharing food with loved ones, and I hope that my family will continue to enjoy this recipe for generations to come.