Strudel with jam

Jam Strudel - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Imagine a fluffy, flavorful composition that reminds you of warm summer days spent with family, enjoying delicious desserts. Today, I will guide you in preparing a jam strudel, a simple and versatile recipe perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you serve it as a dessert at a family meal or bring it to a party, this strudel will surely be appreciated by all.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 2 packets of dry yeast (14 g)
- 4 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of orange zest (from Dr. Oetker)
- 60 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 500 ml lukewarm milk
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- Jam (choose your favorite; we recommend plum or apricot jam for an intense flavor)

Step by Step:

1. Activating the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the 2 packets of dry yeast with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 200 ml of lukewarm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and active. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the orange zest and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the risen yeast mixture. Then add the remaining milk (300 ml), eggs, and melted margarine (or butter). Use a spatula to mix the ingredients. Finally, add the oil and knead by hand until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough.

3. Letting the dough rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until the dough doubles in volume. You can place it in a warm room or even in the preheated oven at 30 degrees to speed up the process.

4. Shaping the strudel:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread a uniform layer of jam over the dough, leaving a margin of about 2-3 cm. Here you can get creative! You can roll it into a log, cut it into smaller portions, or make croissants, depending on your preferences.

5. Glazing and second rise:
Place the strudel or croissants on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the surface with a beaten egg and sprinkle brown sugar on top for a caramelized look and crunchy texture. Let them rise for another 10 minutes.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the strudel for about 30 minutes or until it becomes golden and beautiful. Check from time to time to ensure it doesn’t burn.

7. Serving:
After it has cooled slightly, cut the strudel into slices and serve it warm or at room temperature. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea pairs perfectly with this delicious dessert!

Practical Tips:
- Choose the jam: Seasonal fruit jam will add a freshness. If you prefer a less sweet taste, opt for a jam with a higher fruit content and less sugar.
- Variations of the filling: Besides jam, you can also use other fillings such as cottage cheese with raisins, grated apples, or chocolate.
- Storage: The strudel keeps well in an airtight container for a few days, but it is best consumed fresh.

Nutritional Benefits:
This jam strudel contains carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the eggs and dairy, thus providing a good energy intake. The orange zest adds a note of vitamin C, essential for the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast. Dividing the amount in half will give you the desired result.
- How can I enhance the flavor? Adding cinnamon to the filling can provide a warm and aromatic taste, perfect for the cold season.

Serving Suggestions:
Pair this strudel with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for a delicious creamy contrast. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea will perfectly complement the dessert.

Conclusion:
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! The jam strudel is a quick, easy-to-make recipe that is incredibly satisfying. Each bite will transport you to pleasant memories, and its aroma will fill the house with joy. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together at the table. Enjoy your meal!