Cherry Strudel

This is an easy way to enjoy the luscious taste of cherry pie filling without the trouble of making pastry.

Ingredients

Filling:

  • 1 pound tart red cherries, pitted
  • 1/2 cup ground almonds
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Pastry:

  • 8 sheets phyllo dough, defrosted
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup ground almonds

Method

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Combine cherries, almonds, sugar, breadcrumbs and cinnamon. Reserve.

Layer phyllo on counter and cover with a tea towel. Remove first sheet and brush with butter.

Combine sugar and almonds and sprinkle about 1 tablespoon over butter. Top with second sheet, brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar-almond mixture. Repeat with remaining sheets.

Place cherry mixture on pastry, about 2 inches from the long edge and 1 inch from short edge. Fold in short sides and roll phyllo into a strudel shape.

Brush with butter and cut 3 slits on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until top is browned and cherry mixture is cooked. Serves 6 to 8.