Apples!

3 years ago, our family decided to move from our hometown of Santa Clarita, CA, to a much more rural area in Southern California’s Los Padres National Forrest. We are only about 45 minutes away from the city but it is so very different.  Tall trees surround our home, the air is crisp and clean, and the Milky Way is a nightly show. The summers are mild, the winters are snowy, and we have 4 seasons (very difficult to come by in Southern California).

We were very fortunate to inherit a large apple tree, a peach tree and 2 large grape vines with the purchase of our property.  Some years we have more snow and frost than others. This is particularly challenging when attempting to grow fruit but like much of the country this year, we had a very mild winter.  Because it was so warm we are having the best harvest we have ever had.  Our grape vines have huge bunches and the peach tree has peaches for the first time since we moved in.  Neither the grapes nor peaches are ready for harvest so today we will focus on the apple tree.

This year our one tree produced hundereds of apples.  About a week ago, the birds started to take a bite out of every apple on the tree, which prompted my decision to begin the harvest and figure out what to do with all of these apples.  So far I have made applesauce and apple pie but I wanted something different so I hit the internet for some kid friendly ideas. I quickly got my answer, fruit leather! It is delicious, nutritious and the kids love it! Here’s how you do it:

* Start by making a batch applesauce with your favorite applesauce recipe (this can be done with any fruit puree.) Or if you do not have the option of fresh, you can use canned applesauce or fruit.

* Set your oven on the lowest setting (usually 140-170 degrees).

* Line a baking sheet with greased parchment paper (no wax paper because it will smoke in the oven). Make sure your baking sheet has a lip all the way around.

* Pour the applesauce onto the prepared sheet and tilt it back and fourth, making sure the pan is evenly coated.

* Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for anywhere from 10-12 hours.  The dehydration process really depends on the amount of moisture in your puree so the baking times will vastly vary. Rotate your pan every few hours to ensure the leather dries evenly.

* When you remove your fruit leather it should fell dry and smooth.  If it is tacky or sticky then it is not ready.

* When ready, remove from the oven, cut your finished fruit leather in any shape you would like and place it in a plastic bag to keep it fresh.  For a special treat you can wrap it in cello bags and dress it up any way you choose.

There you go! Homemade fruit leather, at a quarter of the price you would pay in the market, with the satisfaction of doing it yourself! How’s that for practical? :o)