Dehydrating How To Specifics

Recipes for What I've Dried (So Far)

Cantaloupe:  Gut, cut up and peel.  Slice thinly.  (The thicker your slices, the longer the drying time).  The slices should be less than 1/4 inch thick.  But you don't have to be exact.

Peaches:  I did white peaches yesterday. Just peel and slice thinly or you can even dice.  Next time I do it, I am also sprinkling a little Stevia on to sweeten it up.

Bananas:  Bananas are my personal favorite!  You peel them, of course and then slice them less than 1/4 inch thick or I actually like them better cut into finger sizes.  You cut the banana in half and then you quarter each half.  They turn out more chewy and candy-like.  Some recipes say to add honey, but bananas are so sweet anyway, I don't do that.

Apples:  These are fun!  Wash the apple and then slice it like bread from the stem down.  You get nice apple circles with a cute star shape in the middle.  I've seen wreaths made of dried apples and they are beautiful.  Again make sure your slices are thin.

Mango:  I believe these are probably the most popular one with my husband.  Who ever knew mangoes taste so freaking good?  I didn't.  You wash the mango, peel it and then slice off thin wedges.  You'll get down to the pit only by slicing carefully.  I get all I can get off the mango by slicing and then I lean over the sink and eat the rest while juice drips down into the sink.  Mmm, mmm, mmm!

Sun-Dried Tomatoes:   I kept asking, "what will we use dried tomatoes for?"  Dum, dum, dum, dum!  They are fantastic eaten alone or on a pasta or on some salad.  I can't tell you how dang tasty they are, you've just gotta try it!  And they are super expensive at the store but cheap, cheap, cheap to do at home. Roma tomatoes are the best but you can use any kind.  Wash them, core them and then slice thinly.  Throw out the bottom part.  I then spread them out on a plate and brush with olive oil.  Then sprinkle with basil and oregano or with Mediterranean Sea Salt (which is a mixture in the spice aisle).  After you have them all sprinkled, put them olive oil side down on the drying tray.  Be sure and put tomatoes on the bottom tray so the spices don't drip down onto your fruit (yuck).

FRUIT LEATHER:  Now to the best fruit roll-up ever (and inexpensive) AND no preservatives.  You know EXACTLY what's in there.  I think you could make any kid you could dream up.  My first was banana/pineapple.  You just put your fruit in a blender (fill your blender about 1/3 in total).  You will probably have to add a little liquid (I use apple juice) to get the blend going.  Blend well and then pour it onto your sprayed special tray.