FRUIT ROLY POLY BASIC RECIPE AKA FORGET THE OLD FUDDYDUDDY CINNAMON ROLLS

I  was brought up on jam & apple roly poly's but Mum's were always either steamed or baked in a long roll.
This way they are sliced and baked like cinnamon rolls or Chelsea Buns ( a yeast and fruit baked roll) and are much easier to serve, packed with fruit.

This is a basic recipe and you may use any fruit or just jam, the pastry is a basic baking powder biscuit dough (similar to English scones).

Serves 4-6

Pastry/Biscuit Dough:

2 cups all purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder 
1 tsp sea salt
4 tbsp shortening or butter/margarine
2/3 cup canned evaporated milk (NOT condensed sweetened)
1/3 cup water
(mix the water and evaporated milk together)

Sift the flour, salt and baking powder and cut in the  butter with 2 knives or pastry blender, to form "breadcrumbs".
Stir in enough milk mix to form a  soft dough that can be easily handled.
Turn onto a floured  board and knead lightly  for 30 seconds , set aside for 1 hour before using.

Roll out the dough to form a rectangle 12" x 8"


FILLING:

4 tbsp soft butter/margarine
3 cups chopped apples (or any chopped stone fruit/mixed fruit/berries)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)


SYRUP/CARAMEL:
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
2tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp lemon zest



METHOD:

Preheat oven middle shelf 425F

Well buttered baking dish 10 x 6 x 2 inches 


Spread 1 tbsp soft butter over the rolled dough (12 x 8 inches)
Cover with the chopped fruit allowing 1/2 inch at all the edges clear.
Sprinkle with a mix of the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Roll up lengthwise, like a jelly roll/Swiss Roll.
Seal the edge.
Set aside.

 Meanwhile, make the syrup:
 boil the water, 2 tbsp butter, the 1/2 cup sugar, lemon juice and zest, for 10 mins.
Pour this syrup into the buttered baking dish.
Then slice the apple roll into 2 inch pieces crosswise.
Place the apple roll slices in the syrup, cut sides down.
Spread with the remaining 1 tbsp soft  butter.
Bake for 35 mins  on a lined cookie sheet.

Serve warm with ice cream, custard or cream; or just enjoy with a good cup of coffee.

Variations: when using berries in place of syrup use melted preserves or jam.