Rollin’ Deep… Strawberry style!

Blessed Spring… always a welcome sight but I admit that I’m usually sad to see Winter go. I do love a cold and dark day fit for a fire in the fireplace, baking and scarves to warm my neck.

With Spring edging in I find myself like an animal at the edge of the forest, looking across the field… nose raised, sniffing the air. The possibilities at hand are endless.

Spring is synonymous with Strawberries in my book. As the days lengthen I know that soon we will be picking fresh berries from the vine, warm from the Sun.

I always make jam each year, freezer and cooked. I also like to freeze the berries several different ways. Whole, on a tray and then stored in gallon bags for easy removal if I need just a few berries at a time. Chopped or lightly pulsed in my food processor and frozen in pint containers for pies, pancakes, or an adult beverage. Lastly, pureed and frozen in pint containers.

Check out the two best Strawberry pickers this side of the Mississippi! We have the best local farm to visit!!

Trying some new things this year to use these fabulous, juicy fruits and decided on making Fruit Roll Ups! Yep, in my very own Nesco Dehydrator. So far, I hadn’t really used it to it’s fullest potential; mainly drying herbs for storage. I wanted another healthy snack or addition to my girls lunch box each day and couldn’t believe how easy this was to prepare and make. Or how tasty the results!

Strawberry Fruit Rollups

1 pint, pureed fresh or frozen Strawberries
2 tsp. Honey, or to taste if berries are not as sweet
juice of one lemon

Place all ingredients in blender and blend away! Until desired consistency.
Pour onto Fruit Roll up tray(s) (that have been sprayed with a nonstick spray) evenly and just til’ edge of puree is at the lip of the tray. I only have one tray so I have to do multiple batches of drying. Ordering another tray to be a little more efficient.



The book that came with my dehydrator recommends a temperature of 135° for 4-6 hours. I found that it takes anywhere from 5- 6 hours with the consistency that I am using.



See how pliable it is??



You will not believe how good this stuff is! I will say that I started with amazing strawberries to begin with so be sure to use a quality fruit.

I wrap them in wax paper and store in baggies for lunch and snacks. Tastes better than the store bought stuff and is a helluva lot better for you and your kids!

Don’t stray too far because I have another new recipe to use up those luscious berries. Something a little icy.

Stay tuned!

Tara


Post Tagged with dehydrated strawberries, Della Rose Living, homemade fruit roll ups, strawberries