Kuchen (North Dakota)

The foods known to North Dakotans draw their inspiration from both Norwegian and German-Russian culture. One local sweet favourite is the German kuchen, a pastry with a crunchy topping and a filling that combines custard and often a fruit such as apple.

Crust:
½ cup sugar
1½ cups sweet cream
3 eggs
3 tsp. baking powder
4½ cups all-purpose flour, unbleached
¼ tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Fruit Filling:
fruit, such as; apples, peaches, rhubarb or any other fruit you prefer

Custard:
7 eggs, 1 for each
3½ cups cream, ½ cup for each
1¾ cups sugar, ¼ cup for each

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5).

Mix the ingredients for the crust, well; Divide into 7 balls. Roll out each and put into pie tins.

Arrange fruit (apples, peaches, rhubarb or any other fruit you prefer), in a single layer on the dough. Sprinkle sugar on the fruit.

Mix together filling ingredients and pour on the fruit.

Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Bake till filling is set. About 33 minutes (If you stick a table knife in filling and it comes out clean it's done.).

Makes 7 servings.