::30 Days:: Day 21

More apples...

The kids helped me get the apple slices ready for the dehydrator. Very easy to make-- with or without a dehydrator. Peel and slice apples, then a quick soak in lemon juice/water to prevent apples from turning brown. You can buy stuff called "fruit fresh" but it's basically lemon juice.

Layer apple slices in a single layer on dehydrator. If you don't have one, use a cookie sheet and a cookie rack and put them in the oven on the lowest setting available. Depending on the temperature and the humidity in the air, and the thickness of the slices, it can take anywhere from 8 - 12 hours.

Apple peelings don't go to waste entirely. The kids love to nibble on them "lady and the tramp style".

You'll know your apple slices are done when they feel leathery, much like raisins. Some of them were ready before others, so check every once in awhile and pull out the ones that are done, or else they become crispy.

They bend without breaking and keep in jars or zippy bags up to 6 months, depending on how dry they are.

You can soak them in water to re-hydrate them for pies and desserts. You can eat them as is for a healthy snack, or mix with other dried fruits and nuts for a homemade trail mix. You can also chop them up and use in recipes in place of raisins-- like Oatmeal cookies. Here's my favorite Oatmeal cookie recipe:

3/4 c butter- softened

1 c brown sugar

1/2 c sugar

1/4 c milk

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 c flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

3 cups oats

1 c raisins (or dried cranberries or chopped, dried apples)

Pre-heat oven to 350*. Beat butter, sugars, milk, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt and mix well. Stir in oats and raisins.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Flatten lightly. Bake 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 3 dozen, if you don't keep snacking on the cookie dough!