Dried Fruit Recipes

DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice and water. Set aside until ready to use.
• Peel, core and dice the fruit into 1/2-inch cubes, with the exception of the strawberries. Slice the strawberries 1/8 of an inch thick. Place the fruit into the lemon water and allow to soak for up to 2 minutes. Remove and drain thoroughly.
• Lay 1 (14 by 14-inch) plastic dehydrator sheet on 1 of the air-conditioning filters. Place the fruit on the plastic dehydrator sheet and cover with another plastic sheet. Repeat this process with remaining plastic sheets and two more filters, stacking on top of the first one. Top these with the remaining empty filter. Next, lay the box fan on its side and lay the filters on top of it. Strap the filters to the fan with two bungee cords. Stand the fan upright, plug in and set to high. Dry for 42 to 48 hours. When dry, the fruit should be pliable but not sticky. You should not be able to squeeze moisture from the fruit. If using a commercial dehydrator, follow the manufacturer's directions.
• Remove the fruit from filters and store in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

DRIED FRUIT STUFFING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
• Slice bread and discard ends. Arrange bread slices on the rack of the preheated oven.
• Bake in the preheated oven until very dry, about 15 minutes.
• While the bread is baking, melt butter in a heavy, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until tender, about 10 minutes.
• Remove bread from the oven and crumble into coarse pieces in a large bowl. Add cherries, raisins, currants, and prunes; toss to combine. Mix in sauteed onions and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in eggs.
• Increase oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Coat a 12x16-inch piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray.
• Stir chicken broth into stuffing mixture and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with the aluminum foil, sprayed-side down.
• Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 30 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and bake until top is golden, about 20 minutes more.

EASY OVEN-DRIED FRUIT RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Set the oven racks at the top and bottom thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 170°F (75°C), or its lowest temperature. Line up to 4 baking sheets with nonstick reusable mats.
• Cut the top off of the pineapple, and slice a thin layer off the bottom so it stands upright. Core the pineapple and discard the skin and core. Cut into 2-3-inch (5-7.5 cm) pieces. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Peel the skin off the kiwis, then slice into ¼-⅓-inch (½-1 cm) wide rounds. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Peel the skin off the mangoes. Cut around the pit, then slice into ¼- to ⅓-inch (½-1 cm) wide strips. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Squeeze the lemon over the mango so it does not oxidize in the oven.
• Remove the tops from strawberries, and cut into ¼-⅓-inch (½-1 cm) wide slices. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake the fruit, in batches if necessary, for 6-8 hours, until dried, leathery, and all moisture has evaporated. The kiwis and strawberries should take less time, while the pineapple will take the longest. Crack the oven door every hour or so, especially in the beginning, to allow moisture to escape.
• Let the fruit cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, ideally with a silica gel packet to maintain dryness.
• Enjoy!