A Winning Lineup of Thanksgiving Desserts Inspired by Detroit Red Wings

Moritz Seider’s Bavarian Apple Strudel

Moritz Seider’s Bavarian Apple Strudel not only reflects his personal attributes as a defenseman for the Detroit Red Wings but also intertwines with the Thanksgiving spirit in several ways. The delicate and intricate process of stretching and pulling the dough resonates with the essence of Thanksgiving, symbolizing the patience, care, and effort that go into preparing a meaningful holiday feast. This mirrors Seider’s finesse on the ice, where his agility and precision are crucial in defending against opponents, akin to the meticulous preparation required for the strudel.

Moreover, the robustness of the apple filling in the strudel signifies more than just strength and resilience; it embodies the harvest season, a core aspect of Thanksgiving. The apples, a staple fall fruit, represent abundance and the bountiful harvest, aligning with the thankfulness associated with the holiday. Seider’s resilience and strength on the rink, paralleled by the strudel’s filling standing strong against the heat of the oven, draw a compelling connection to the fortitude needed to face challenges and emerge victorious.

Furthermore, the strudel’s Bavarian roots honor Seider’s heritage, mirroring the celebration of diverse cultural backgrounds that often come together during Thanksgiving. Just as Thanksgiving is a time for embracing different traditions and backgrounds, Seider’s Bavarian heritage adds a layer of cultural richness to the dessert, symbolizing the diversity and inclusivity inherent in the holiday spirit.

In essence, Moritz Seider’s Bavarian Apple Strudel encapsulates not only the defenseman’s qualities but also resonates with the Thanksgiving narrative, intertwining strength, finesse, cultural richness, and gratitude into a delicious and symbolic dessert.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

·         2 cups all-purpose flour

·         1/4 teaspoon salt

·         2 tablespoons vegetable oil

·         3/4 cup lukewarm water

·         2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

For the filling:

·         4 large apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

·         1/2 cup sugar

·         1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·         1/2 cup raisins (optional)

·         1/2 cup breadcrumbs

·         1/2 cup chopped almonds

·         Zest of 1 lemon

·         Juice of 1/2 lemon

·         1/4 cup melted butter (for brushing)

For serving:

·         Powdered sugar

·         Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and lukewarm water. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, brush it with melted butter, cover, and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins (if using), breadcrumbs, chopped almonds, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Assemble the strudel: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a clean, floured surface, roll out the rested dough into a large rectangle, as thin as possible. Stretch and pull the dough gently until it’s almost transparent. Brush the stretched dough with melted butter.
4. Add the filling: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough, enclosing the filling, and tuck the ends under to seal.
5. Bake the strudel: Place the strudel seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with melted butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve: Allow the strudel to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Slice and serve warm, accompanied by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.