Apple Strudel

My first job was in a German bakery.  One of the things the bakery was famous for (in our little corner of the world) was apple strudel.  Remember, I worked in a bakery before it was cool to work in a bakery.  Frank wasn't a Cake Boss or an Ace of Cakes.  He and his wife were just two wonderful people who loved to bake.  This recipe is as close to Frank's as I remember.  I wonder if I can get close to how good it tasted.

1 1/4 C. apple juice
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2lbs. Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced, 1/4 inch thick (approx. 5 C.)
1/2 C. dark seedless raisins
3 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/3 C. chopped pecans
4 sheets phyllo dough
1/3 C. melted butter
3 tbsp. finde dry breadcrumbs
Confectioner's sugar for garnish
Vanilla ice cream, optional

In a small bowl, create a slurry by combining 1/4 C. of the apple juice with 2 tbsp. cornstarch; mix until smooth and set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the apples with the remaining apple juice, and the raisins, sugar and cinnamon until the apples are tender, 8 to 10 minutes.  Stir the cornstarch slurry (it may have settled) and add to the apple mixtyre, stirring constantly until smooth and lump free.  Simmer 1 more minute, stirring constantly.  Remove from the heat and cool.  Stir in the pecans, cover and chill.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Lay out the phyllo sheet on a clean, flat lightly floured surface.  Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tbsp. of dry bread crumbs.  Repeat this procedure with two more layers of phyllo, butter and crumbs.  Top with the fourth sheet of phyllo.  Spread the apple filling evenly on the phyllo surface, leaving a 1/2 inch clean edge on all sides.  Roll into a log, folding edges at each end beneath the logm and brush with melted butter.  Carefully place the strudel on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.  Bake the strudel for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before cutting into 2 inch slices.  Dust with confectioner's sugar just before serving.  Serve plain or with ice cream