Pear Pomegranate Strudel

==Description==
A delightful holiday or any occasion dessert that is exotic and tasty with those warm Pears and the pomegranate seeds (full of antioxidants!). 
== Ingredients ==
* 6 ripe pears
* 3 tablespoons butter
* ¾ cup dark brown sugar
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
* ⅛ teaspoon allspice
* 1 pinch salt
* 1 cup pomegranate seeds (1 large pomegranate)
* 8 sheets frozen phyllo dough
* 1¼ cups butter, melted 
=== Garnish === 
* powdered sugar
* green colored crystal sugar
* red colored crystal sugar
* 1 package red cake decorating gel 
== Directions ==
=== Filling ===
# Peel, core, and dice pears.
# Place large, heavy saucepan over high heat until very hot.
# Melt butter and add pears.
# Cook 2 minutes more and stir again.
# Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt over pears.
# Allow sugar to melt, stirring occasionally.
# Bring mixture to boil, then remove from heat.
# Strain liquid from pears.
# Cook liquid over medium-high heat, stirring often, until volume is reduced to about ½ cup (will have very syrupy consistency).
# Return pears to saucepan, stir to blend, stir in pomegranate seeds.
# Cool completely.
# Filling can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed.
=== Pastry ===
# Preheat oven to 375°F.
# Place 1 sheet phyllo on dry, flat surface.
# Brush with melted butter, top with next sheet, repeat with a total of 4 sheets.
# Return remaining sheets to refrigerator, wrapped in plastic.
# Cut pastry in quarters.
# Work with ¼ at a time, leaving others under slightly damp cloth.
# Place ⅓ cup filling in center of pastry and form into a square.
# Wrap like a package, folding in sides and brushing with melted butter to secure.
# Place seam side down on heavy aluminum cookie sheet, brush liberally with butter, and cover with plastic wrap.
# Continue making packages until you have used all filling.
# Packages can be assembled a day ahead; brush with butter, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
# Bake in preheated oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
# Cool to room temperature.
# Garnish: transfer to work surface.
# Dust each package with powdered sugar and decorate with gel to resemble a present.
# Sprinkle serving plate lightly with colored sugars, then top with decorated package.
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Category:Pastry Recipes