This is based on my recipe for apple strudel, which appeared in Long Weekends, but I have substituted just under half the apple filling with mincemeat just for Christmas. This is another dessert worth considering as a lighter alternative to Christmas pudding.
Method
Based on 6 servings, adjust as needed.
Step 1
Mix the apples with the cinnamon, lemon zest and juice and sugar.
Melt 20g of the butter in a small frying pan and fry the breadcrumbs
until golden. Add them to the apples, then stir in the mincemeat.
Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C. Line a baking sheet with
baking paper.
Step 2
Melt the rest of the butter in a pan. Place a clean tea towel on the
worktop with the long edge towards you. Place a sheet of the filo on
top and brush with some of the melted butter. Lay another sheet over
it and brush with butter, then repeat until you have used all the filo.
Pile the filling on to the filo, leaving a border of about 3cm all
round. Tuck the ends of the filo in and then, using the tea towel
to help, roll the pastry away from you to enclose all the filling.
Step 3
Transfer the roll, seam-side down, to the lined baking sheet and
brush with the rest of the melted butter. Bake for 40–45 minutes
until golden. Toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden.
Step 4
Allow the strudel to cool to room temperature, then dust with
icing sugar and scatter over the toasted almonds. Slice and serve
with custard, cream or ice cream.