Winter is coming - the pinch of autumn is in the air and the shops are full of not so subtle hints that Christmas is just around the corner. If you are looking for a yummy hot dessert to see you through the cold nights then this quick Apple Strudel recipe is perfect for you. The shop bought puff pastry means this dessert can be made in only half and hour. 

Ingredients

5 Apples 

10 dates or a handful of sultanas 

A handful of chopped nuts (I used walnuts but pecans would be just as yummy!)

Brown Muscavado Sugar 75g

The juice and zest of 1 lemon 

2 tsp of cornflour 

2 tsp cinnamon 

Puff Pastry (1 sheet of pre-made)

1 beaten egg and 1 further tbsp of brown muscavado sugar to finish 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C (lower is fan assisted)

2. Peel the apples and cut into 1cm cubes. Chop the dates and nuts into small chunks. 

3. Pop the following ingredients into your mixing bowl and stir;  apples, nuts, sugar, lemon juice and zest, corn flour, cinnamon 

4. Your puff pastry should already but a perfect size for your strudel. Place on a piece of greased proof paper and sit on a baking tray 

5. When it comes to gulling your strudel, simply spoon the mix down the centre of the pasty sheet - just make sure it isn't too close to the far edges!

6. Here comes the part which will make you look like a pro baker! Slice the pastry either side of the mix into inch long strips. Cross the strips alternately over the mix in the centre - these strips should overlap and give the appearance of a plait. 

7. Finally - brush you strudel with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Place in the oven until golden brown (roughly 30 minutes)