West Bend Back to Basics FD-600 - Manual (Page 9)

MAKING FRUIT LEATHER
Fruit leathers, also called fruit taffies or fruit rolls, are easy to make in
your FOOD DEHYDRATOR. Fruit leather is a perfect “take along”
snack, high in energy and nutrition. Because fruit leather is made from
a fresh fmit puree, a solid surface must be used to dry on. If you poured
it directly on the trays, it would seep through the openings. You may
cover the regular trays with plastic wrap, cut to fit the circular trays.
Fruit leathers are best made from fully ripe fruits. Wash fruits carefully,
cut away any bruised or spoiled portions of the fruit, remove the pits or
stones and blend in a blender. Peeling Is not necessary unless the peels
will detract from the finished product, as in pears or peaches. Fruit
leather from very seedy berries is best when at least some of the seeds
are removed witn a sieve. If the fruit will not begin blending by itself,
add a little fruit juice to begin the biending process. Add a smal! amount
of honey or com syrup if sweetening is needed, remembering that the
sweetness wii! concentrate as the leather dries. Honey or com syrup
does not crystallize during storage in the finished leather. Sugar
sweetened leather gets brittle during storage.
Pour puree 1/4 inch thick in a circle on the soljd trays. When using
plastic wrap instead of the fruit roll tray, leave 1/2 inch free near the
center and around the outer edge.
Lemon juice, orange Juice, fresh pineapple or slightly cooked apple, mix
well with most fruits and add additional flavor. Some fruits are best
when used in combination with other fruits, so experiment with different
combinations.
It is fun to vary the flavor of fruit leather by adding spices or flavorings
such as cinnamon, nutmeg, almond extract, or vanilla.
For a change in texture, try sprinkling the wet fruit leather puree with
grated fresh or flaked coconut, nuts, finely chopped dried fruit, sesame
or sunflower seeds. Remember to store garnished fruit leather in the
refrigerator or freezer as it has a shorter shelf life than plain fruit leather
when stored at room temperature.
Fruit leather is dry when it is no longer sticky to touch, yet still pliable.
Remove from the dehydrator while still warm, cut In quarters, and roll.
Wrap tightly In plastic wrap designed for the microwave or freezer (It Is
airtight and moisture proof), then store in an airtight container. Fruit
leather will usually maintain good quality up to a year when properly
packaged and stored at room temperature. To keep them fresher, or for
longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
8