Sunday, May 13, 2007

LOQUATS

Loquats from the backyard

Loquat Strudel

The strudel that I knew of was made of apples. Our loquat trees has always provided us with ample fruit every year. We are up to our gills with the fruits. So I decided to do something with them. Why not make a strudel? Whether you make strudel dough yourself or buy it---for it comes ready to use---there are endless possibilities for the "interior decoration".

Prepare the filling in advance since the loquats needs to be peeled and seeded...drop them into a large mixing bowl with water to cover with 1 tablespoon salt. When all the fruits are peeled and seeded, drain and combined with:

You should have 5 to 6 cups of the fruits.

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon rind
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup melted butter

You can buy your strudel dough or use the filo dough (remember you have to brush melted butter on each layer of the filo dough---this is rich in calories...but good!).

I make my own dough the old fashion way;

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Work with your hand...

1/2 cup room temperature lard

...until the grain in the mixture is pea size.

Stir in;

3 tablespoon ice cold water

...until the mixture holds together when you gather it into a ball. With a rolling pin, shape the dough into a 8 x 12 sheet, place the fruit mixture and roll into a log. Securing both ends. Scour the top with a knife, brush the top with scrambled egg...sprinkle some sugar on top. Place on a pre-heated 375 degree oven for about 40 minutes or until the tops oozes some juice and golden brown...

Serve with vanilla ice cream or grated cheddar cheese while it is hot or warm.