Prepare yourself for a delightful journey into the realm of baking with this exquisite recipe for Fruit and Nut Filled Pastry! 🥐🍇🌰 This Vegan treat is not only bursting with flavor but also embodies healthiness and simplicity, making it a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total time of 55 minutes, you’ll be savoring the aroma of freshly baked pastry in no time! So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure together. 🌟
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup margarine
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Filling:
- 6 tablespoons walnut pieces
- 1/2 cup light raisins
- 1/2 cup dark raisins
- 1/3 cup calimyrna figs
- 5 prunes
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons sweet red wine
- Confectioners’ sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the margarine and cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually sprinkle water over the mixture while tossing with a fork.
- Gather the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill for about 1 hour to make it easier to roll out.
- Alternatively, you can use a food processor to make the dough. Process for about 10 seconds after adding water, just until the dough begins to come together. Avoid over-processing to prevent toughness.
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Prepare the Filling:
- In another medium bowl, combine all the filling ingredients.
- If the raisins, figs, and prunes are dry and tough, soften them in hot water for about 20 minutes before chopping. Drain, pat dry, and chop.
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Preheat and Roll Out:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry into a 22-inch-long by 6-inch-wide rectangle.
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Fill and Shape:
- Spoon the prepared filling down the center of the pastry rectangle, leaving a 2-inch border on both long edges and a 1/2-inch border at the ends.
- Bring the long edges of the pastry up over the filling and pinch them tightly together.
- Pinch the ends closed to form a long “snake” that encases the filling.
- Gently bend the snake into a “U” or “S” shape (depending on your preference and pan size) and carefully transfer it to a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake and Serve:
- Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
- Allow the pastry to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.
- Serve the pastry warm, if desired, and just before serving, sprinkle it generously with sieved confectioners’ sugar.
- Cut the pastry into wide slices and indulge in the deliciousness!
This Fruit and Nut Filled Pastry is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, with its golden crust and tantalizing aroma. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Plus, being vegan and low in cholesterol, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy any time of the day. So, why wait? Get baking and share the joy of this delightful pastry with your loved ones today! 🎉