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View Full Version : Results, suggestions from the multi-fruit leather experiment



Biscuit Grinch
12-06-2006, 01:20 PM
I followed Alissa's recommendation to dehydrate them at 105 for 24 hours. I think, personally, I would prefer 19-20 hours next time....a little softer and doughier.

1. Cranberry/orange/orange zest/banana/8dates/stevia: I think I'd use a few less cranberries next time. I used about 3 cups, 1 orange, 5 bananas. And I used too much zest. Next time, I think I'll try lemon zest and maybe 1.2 teaspoons. But it it good, tart, cranny. I will enjoy it

2. Eggnog leather: I used 7 banana's, 1 decent pinch of nutmeg and probably 1T vanilla. A little stevia. This one has so much promise. I think I would add cinnamon and more nutmeg next time. Rolled up it looks exactly like cinnamon rolls. It's good. Next time, I think I'll add raisins to the batter, too! Fun.

3. Carob mint - fantastic. Don't skimp on the carob or chocolate - whichever you use. I'm experiementing with amounts. I'd use about 2 heaping T's of carob with 7 bananas, some stevia, and mint. You'll have to go very easy on the mint and then add to taste. Start with 6 drops. I think I'd add a few dates to this one too.

4. Lemon leather: This is sooo good, if you love lemon: 7 banana's, 8 dates, juice of two lemons, stevia, some lemon zest, a partridge, a pear tree. This was just lemony and great.

5. Carob/almond: This was my least fave, although I love almond flavor. Maybe it needed more almond extract. 7 banana's, 1.5 heaping T of carob, some stevia, almond extract to taste. I just didn't like it as well as the others. and I cannot discern quite why, or how to tweak it.

The thing I love about these is that they are such tasty NO-FAT treats. On the other hand, as I mentioned, putting a T or 2 of nut butter in these would do something marvelously tasty. I just want to be low-fat at present.

Things I think would be wonderful to try:

1.Pineapple/banana/coconut leather.

2. A variation would be to make a coconut/banana leather batter, and when you put it in the dehydrator, spread some small banana chunks generously atop the batter before you dry it.

3. Banana/cherry fruit leather.

4. Black forest fruit leather - maybe banana/coconut/carob or choc, either with cherries mixed in or halved and spread atop the batter.

As you can see, there's no END to the creativity and delectability here.

NOTE: You don't have to you stevia. I just like intense sweetness.

So there you have it. Have fun!

Much love,

Biscuit Grinch

star1919
12-07-2006, 04:50 PM
Thanks Biscuit Grinch... I've never made fruit leather before. Now, I'm inspired. You're so creative! :D

Fresherson19
12-08-2006, 01:08 PM
Wow, they sound delicious. I am looking forward to making fruit leathers as soon as I get a dehydrator.
We should call you Rawtha Stewrawt :)

PixieLed
12-08-2006, 03:21 PM
Hi,

I love your ideas! I'm going to buy some mint extract and try one of your "choco-mint" leathers soon. They sound so delicious!

I like to shake it up a bit because I usually do just simple pureed bananas. Lately I've been making "sesame seed leather" which is as follows: puree bananas then add a bunch of sesame seeds to the mix and spread then dehydrate. I think this increases the "fat" content, but I love it because it adds crunchiness and calcium/other nutrients. :) And it's easier to chew on the seeds when they're a part of something else hehe.

Biscuit Grinch
12-08-2006, 05:24 PM
it must make it kind of brittley? Banana brittle?

I'm going to try apple pie leather next, with a little banana, a lot of apples and some raisins and pie spices - cinnamon, etc.

And I'm intrigued by the idea of orange, lemon, and little banana.

From any one with lots of experience, if you don't add banana or apple - or a starchy fruit, and just use juicier fruits such as pineapple, orange etc....wouldn't you get a hard candy? Like sour orange or something? Anyone know.

Much love,

B Grinch