So, yet again, people think I’m crazy because I don’t let my kids eat fruit snacks…. but seriously, have you ever looked at what is in them?! SCARY!
In an attempt to replace store-bought fruit snacks and fruit roll-ups/ fruit-by-the-foot, I began looking up recipes and tried making my own.
THEY ARE AMAZING! THEY ARE HEALTHY! THEY ARE EASY!
I have used several different variations, but typically stick to a “standard” recipe because it’s easier, tastes great, and is less costly.
It has also become a fun Sunday project that the boys enjoy taking a part in! Anything they can help with entices them to try it.
I use frozen strawberries because I am able to always have them on-hand, and found that Sam’s club has the best deal- 5lbs for $10.28! I’m sure Cosco is comparable, but I don’t have a membership there.
Strawberry-Lemonade recipe:
(My inspiration to this recipe was found at http://albertsons.mywebgrocer.com/MarketLanding?mwgelpcid=1567263b-c433-4a84-91ba-e11feeb59d66&geo=1&mwgelpadorigin=ALB_7/24/15_Recipe_DIYStrawberryLemonade)
Fill my blender up to the top with frozen strawberries. I let it sit out for a while to thaw. Once thawed, I blend the strawberries and add about 1/3 cup of honey, as well as 2 tbsp of fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
Turn oven to 170 and line baking sheets (I use 3) with plastic wrap.
IMPORTANT STEP!:
I tape the outer edges of the plastic wrap to the outside of the baking sheet to prevent it from moving and falling into the liquid!
Pour a very thin layer or the liquid onto the plastic-lined baking sheets.
**I start around the edges then go toward the center. Any “blank areas” are filled in by slowly tilting the baking sheet back and forth to even it all out.
Bake on 170 for around 7-8 hours. The temp isn’t high enough to melt the plastic; it just dehydrated the fruit. Once the entire baking sheet of fruit is debydrated (it changes color and becomes “leathery”), remove it from the oven and let cool.
Most of the time, the different baking sheets finish at different times, depending on the thickness of the liquid.
After it cools, slowly peel the plastic wrap away from the fruit leather.
Place the “rectangle” of fruit onto parchment paper and trim to fit just a little larger than the fruit.
Roll it into one long cylinder, then cut with food sissors into 1 to 2-inch sections.
I store mine in a plastic food container in the refrigerator and put into plastic snack baggies for lunches or snacks.
Enjoy!
And Stay Healthy,
Tara
