Hungarian Walnut Strudel (Diós Rétes)

Ingredients:

• 1 package strudel pastry or phyllo dough
• 250 g ground walnuts
• 100 g sugar
• 100 ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 50 g raisins (optional)
• 50 g melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk and sugar until dissolved.
3. Stir in the ground walnuts, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and raisins (if using). Let cool.
4. Lay out the strudel pastry and lightly brush with melted butter.
5. Spread the walnut filling evenly along one long edge of the pastry.
6. Roll the pastry tightly into a log and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
7. Brush the top with the remaining melted butter.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
9. Let cool slightly before slicing.