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– 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 6 sheets phyllo pastry dough
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
– Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Filling**: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins (if using), and chopped walnuts (if using). Toss until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
3. **Assemble Strudel**: Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry dough on a clean, flat surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process with the remaining sheets, stacking them on top of each other.
4. **Add Filling**: Spread the prepared apple filling along one long edge of the stacked phyllo sheets, leaving a border of about 2 inches on each side.
5. **Fold and Roll**: Fold the short edges of the phyllo pastry over the apple filling. Then, starting from the edge with the filling, gently roll up the pastry to create a log shape. Place the strudel seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. **Brush with Butter**: Brush the top of the strudel with the remaining melted butter. This will help the pastry brown nicely in the oven.
7. **Bake**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the apples are tender.
8. **Cool and Serve**: Remove the strudel from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.