Transalpina Strudel

Transalpina Strudel: The Perfect Sweet Treat for Hikers

Today, we embark on an adventure on Transalpina, the highest road in the country, with a history of over 2000 years! What could be more fitting than a delicious strudel filled with a creamy combination of cheese and nectarines? This simple and quick strudel recipe will bring smiles to hikers' faces and turn any trip into an unforgettable experience. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 package of puff pastry (approximately 500 g)

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (choose a fresh, water-free cheese)
- 200 g sugar (for a sweet but not overwhelming taste)
- 7-8 tablespoons of sugar (for the filling)
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar (for an extra touch of flavor)
- 1 vial of rum essence (adds a warm and aromatic scent)
- 1 large egg (for the filling)
- 4 nectarines (fresh but well-ripened fruits)
- 400 ml water (for syrup)
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon of milk (for brushing)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the oven and baking tray
Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. Then, line a large baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the strudel from sticking.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar until you achieve a creamy texture. Add the egg yolk and rum essence, mixing well. Then, beat the egg white with a pinch of salt until frothy and carefully incorporate it into the cheese mixture. If you find the filling too runny, feel free to add 2-3 tablespoons of starch to thicken it.

Step 3: Preparing the nectarines
Wash the nectarines, remove the pits, and cut them into cubes of about 1 cm. In a saucepan, combine 200 g of sugar with water and bring to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved and the syrup starts to boil, add the nectarine cubes and let them soften gently for 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain the fruits and let them cool completely.

Step 4: Assembling the strudel
Roll out the pastry on a clean surface. Imaginarily divide it into 3 equal parts. In the middle of the pastry, spoon the cheese mixture, then sprinkle the nectarine cubes on top. Cut the remaining edges of the pastry with a pastry cutter, just like in the final image of the strudel, and braid them tightly to create an attractive appearance.

Step 5: Baking
Place the strudel on the prepared tray and brush it with a mixture of egg yolk and milk for a beautiful color when baking. Put it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until it turns golden and crispy.

Chef's Tip
For an even tastier strudel, you can add 100 g of sour cream to the filling for a richer texture or 50 g of raisins that soak in the nectarine syrup. You can also replace the nectarines with peaches or apples, depending on your preferences.

Pairings and Serving
This delight pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light vanilla sauce. A cup of fragrant tea or a well-made espresso will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
The cheese and fruit strudel offers an excellent combination of protein from cheese, vitamins from nectarines, and carbohydrates from the dough. It is a good choice for a snack, containing around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone, but you will get a different texture.
- How can I store the strudel?
The strudel keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- Can I freeze the strudel?
Yes, you can freeze the strudel before baking it. Freeze it well and bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

I hope this Transalpina strudel recipe inspires you to venture into the kitchen and bring a touch of flavor to every trip. So, set off on your hike with a fresh strudel and enjoy the wonderful landscapes that Transalpina has to offer!