Culture

It is often said that Styria is the “Delicatessen of Austria”. Its richness lies in its variety: cattle farming in alpine pasture in the North, agriculture and the mild climate of the South and  the Hungarian influence in the East as well as an abundance of water and volcanic soils form the perfect conditions for a rich supply from kitchen and cellar. The pumpkin seed oil (Kernöl) is sold outside the province at exclusive prices in delicatessens and wines such as  Welschriesling, Weißburgunder, Morillon, Traminer and Schilcher are in constant demand on the world market. Another traditional locally grown product are the apples. Even if the Styrian gastronomy presents a wide offer, there are some dishes enjoying a significant role. Long-tradition recipes made with high-quality locally grown products.

Apfelstrudel
one of the most typical styrian recipes (and favourite dessert of the Styrian born actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger)
Ingredients
750g soft apples
100g raisins
2 tbs sugar
Strudel dough (bought or handmade)
Butter or egg yolk
Cinnamon
Breadcrumbs (“Semmelbrösel”)

Recipe
Cut the apples into very thin slices and stew them for a couple of minutes with the sugar and the cinnamon. Then brush the Strudel dough with some melted butter and sprinkle it with the breadcrumbs. Spread the apples and raisins evenly on top of it and roll up the Strudel by lifting the cloth on one side. Let the Strudel slide from the cloth onto a buttered baking sheet and then brush it with some melted butter or egg yolk. It should now let to bake for approximately 30-40 minutes on a fairly hot oven.