Fall Fruit Strudel

1. Lightly grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, the 2 tablespoons sugar, and the salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter and cream cheese until pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle water gradually over dough, tossing with a fork until dough is moistened. Gather dough into a ball. Flatten dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour.

2. Meanwhile, for filling, in a bowl stir together raisins, cherries, apricots, and rum. Let stand 1 hour. Add pear, walnuts, gingersnaps, the 3 tablespoons sugar, and the cinnamon. Toss until blended.

3. On a lightly floured surface roll dough with a floured rolling pin to a 14x8-inch rectangle. Trim rough edges. Place the filling in a lengthwise strip down center of the rectangle to about 2 inches from the ends. Brush the edges of the dough lightly with water. Fold a long side of pastry up over the filling. Brush the edge lightly with water and fold the other side over, overlapping slightly. Press gently to seal. Bring the ends of the pastry up to the top and press gently to seal.

4. Place the prepared baking pan next to strudel. Ease the strudel into pan, seam side down. Brush top lightly with water and sprinkle with the 1 tablespoon sugar. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 35 minutes or until golden. Cool on baking sheet on a wire rack. Cut into slices with a serrated knife. Serve with Eggnog Custard Sauce or ice cream. Makes 8 servings.