Thank You Rolls!

Rotolini di Mela, Mirtilli Americani & Mandorla in Pasta Filo
Apple, Cranberry & Almond Filo Pastry Rolls

6 left-over sheets of Filo pastry and 3 humble apples later... I created these 20 little sweet treats in just 45 minutes or so! I was pretty pleased... and so were my neighbors, who benefited from my little improvisation whilst they were still warm from the oven...

...these are the kinds of simple things that are made for sharing!

 

I made these snacks with my American friends in mind, who will be wracking their brains for ideas for Thanksgiving, which is right around the corner... and these would be a great addition to any party-spread for sure!

But the best thing about them is... that the rest of us can enjoy them too- Thanksgiving or no Thanksgiving!

 

Basically, all I needed to make these 20 or so little rolls was the 6 sheets of Filo pastry, 3 apples and a few handfuls each of dried cranberries and slivered almonds... a little cinnamon and maple syrup- and a hot oven!

 

These little treats were made totally fat and sugar-free... no butter, no nothing! As you can see- it is possible and they were lovely and moist and full of fruit flavor- and with a light trickle of maple syrup right at the end, just as sweet as they need to be to be delicious- and not a bit more! All good news!

 

Simply scatter the grated apple , the sliced cranberries and the slivered almonds over the pastry and sprinkle generously with cinnamon. I used 2-sheets of pastry for each of the rolls I made.

 

It's plain to see that you have more than enough tastiness right there without added butter or sugar- so just leave it out! The grated apple is very moist and will easily do the job that butter would do all by itself- trust me!

 

Roll the pastry up- and the secret here is to not roll it too tightly... leave it loose and there will be space for air to circulate, for moisture to evaporate and for the layers to stay separate as they bake.

 

There you go- all neat and tidy with no stress, no fuss- and no mess!

 

Cut into 2" sections ready for baking... it is much less messy to cut them beforehand... because as tasty as Filo pastries may be- they are always crumbly messes when you cut into them otherwise!

 

Lay them out with plenty of space between them and bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes until they crisp-up, the apples cooks down and kitchen starts to smell really wonderful!

 

Add a very light trickle of maple syrup, or honey if you prefer and return to the oven for the last 5-6 minutes to turn golden brown and crispy on top.

Nothing could be easier, lighter or more satisfying than these... because you can enjoy and indulge with no guilt... and I like that!

 

... oh, and word has it that me neighbors liked them as well! Hope you do too!