"Wait for the crème!" — Hans Landa
The Scene
Col. Hans Landa meets Shosanna at a Parisian café. As tension builds beneath pleasantries, Landa orders strudel for them both and insists she wait for the cream. Every bite is loaded with subtext as Shosanna struggles to maintain composure. Cinema's most suspenseful dessert scene.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, toasted in butter
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For Serving (Essential!):
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the dough: Mix flour, egg, water, oil, and salt. Knead 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
- Prepare filling: Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, and raisins. Toast breadcrumbs in 2 tablespoons butter until golden.
- Stretch the dough: On a floured cloth, roll dough thin, then gently stretch with your hands until paper-thin and translucent.
- Assemble: Brush dough with melted butter, sprinkle breadcrumbs, then spread apple filling in a line along one edge.
- Roll it up: Using the cloth, roll the strudel away from you into a tight log. Tuck ends under.
- Bake: Place seam-side down on a buttered baking sheet. Brush with more butter. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until golden and crispy.
- The cream: Whip cream with powdered sugar to soft peaks. Slice strudel and top with a generous dollop. Wait for the crème!
