FRUIT-FILLED KNISHES (NOT Mrs. Stahl's) pareve
2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2 to 4 tablespoons water (as needed) Cooked Fruit Filling (recipe follows)
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the oil, eggs and 2 tablespoons of water. Gradually mix the wet ingredients with the flour. Add up to 2 tablespoons more water if necessary.
Knead the dough until it forms a rough ball. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth, about 6 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into thirds. On a floured surface, roll out one piece of the dough into a thin rectangle about 10 inches long. Spread about 2/3 cup of the filling along one long end, about 1 inch from the edge. Roll up like a jelly roll and pinch the the edges closed. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough and filling. Arrange the rolls on lightly greased baking sheets.
Bake until browned, about 40 minutes. Slice the knishes (strudel) and serve.
Makes about 24 servings
COOKED FRUIT FILLING
2 cups pitted cherries, blueberries, or apples 3/4 cup water 1/3 cup sugar, or to taste (optional) 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon or cardamom 1 tsp lemon juice 3 Tbsp dry bread crumbs (as needed)
Combine fruit water and sugar in saucepan. Bring to boil. Simmer until fruit is tender and water is almost gone. Remove from heat. Mash slightly with potato masher.
Add cinnamon and lemon juice. Cook and stir over low heat until thick.
Stir in enough bread crumbs to further thicken. |