Easy Apple Strudels (Strudele cu Mere)

I was born and raised in Europe, so to me, when I see apples, the first thought that comes to mind is strudels!  I love them and taught my family to love them as well. :)  This recipe cheats a little because it uses pre-made pastry sheets.  However, the result is still that flaky, buttery crust that makes this dessert truly a delight.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

-2 puff pastry sheets (an entire package of about 17 oz), thawed according to package directions

-2 Tbs unsalted butter

-4 apples, peeled and grated

-1/4 cup PLUS 1 Tbs sugar, divided

-1 tsp cinnamon

-2 Tbs plain bread crumbs

-3 Tbs chopped walnuts (make sure it's very finely chopped, like walnut topping)

-butter flavored cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 F.  Lightly coat a baking sheet with butter flavored cooking spray.  Set aside.

In a small saucepan, start melting the butter over medium heat.  Add the shredded apples and 1/4 of the sugar.  Mix well and cook until butter is melted and sugar dissolved.  Stir in the cinnamon, crumbs and walnuts.  Mix well and continue cooking until all the liquid is absorbed.  Remove pan from stove and let it cool a little.

Meanwhile, on a lightly floured surface, place your thawed pastry sheets.  Using a rolling pin, rolls the dough until nice and thin.  Scoop the apple filling evenly onto the 2 prepared pastry sheets. Spread all over.  Gently, roll each dough with the filling, flattening it a little as you go.  Place seam down on the prepared sheet.  Cut 3-4 slits into each strudel.  Coat each of them with a little butter flavored cooking spray. Sprinkle 1 tsp sugar onto each strudel.

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes.  Gently, cut each strudel into slices and enjoy!