Strudel

Strudel is a frequently sweet, but occasionally savory, pastry. It is made of very thin layers of dough, which are filled, rolled and baked. The dough is similar to phyllo dough. Though it is known to most Americans as a fruit-filled dessert, savory strudels filled with items like cabbage are common in Austria and Hungary.

The paper-thin strudel dough, which experts say must be stretched thin enough to read through, was introduced to central Europe by Turkey when the Turkish army occupied Hungary in the 1500s. Its name comes from its appearance. "Strudel" means "whirlpool", and when sliced, the fillings in a strudel look like debris caught in a whirlpool.