encouragement needed to dehydrate...

[raw-siobhan]

I had decided several weeks ago that I was going to not purchase a dehydrator in order to keep things simple...and also because I am AN IDIOT when it comes to food preparation. Seriously, its a curse. But here is the problem: I just saw the most GORGEOUS tray of chocolate chip cookies on another thread by Petals and I dont know how I can live without them...but I know myself and I am a complete freak of a moron in the kitchen and I am trying to convince myself that it would be worth the $$$ to purchase a dehydrator because somehow I will learn to dehydrate (and monkeys will fly out of my hiney).

I need help and encouragement and opinions, please. :confused:

[luckitri]

You have wanted one for a very long time. It is time to put this aside by either doing it or dropping it. And if you are going to do it you need to do it soon because in a short time the air conditioning is going to be back on and you are not going to like what the equipment does to your electric bill. If you decide (as I have decided but not yet done) to do your dehydrating outside during the hot months - well we have all this blowing dust.

Does that help?

[raw-siobhan]

I like the practical aspect of what you said. If I am going to do it I should do it soon, huh?

[luckitri]

Yup. As I recall - they generate alot of heat. Don't know about the Excalibur but its part of the circulating air thing.

[Raw Jewelrylady]

I absolutely LOVE my Excalibur. I have the 9 tray-bought it from Alissa right after I read the book & saw the DVD. I use it alot.

OK- now for the encouraging part...I used to HATE to cook...I mean...dreaded it w/a passion....NOW..with Raw...See..NO RULES ! Yeah ..
FREEDOM! :)

You get to taste as you go along & have fun. If you don't like something before you put in dehydrator-just add some things till you do. Really- ask my DH-he has to say-enough already once I start making RAW.

So fear not-others have been where you are-but you can do this. If I can then anyone can.

As far as the heat goes-the Excalibur has a covered door & I've ran it in the summer with no notice of heat.

You can also start as others with a Nescoe-Walmart-I think around $35 or so.

Hope this helps.
Lana

[luckitri]

Thanks lanasq! Here in AZ with dh running the AC 8 months of the year I now know that I need an Excalibur!

[mongomango]

Go on! Do it! It's easy. You'll have a blast! :D

[raw-siobhan]

Thanks Lanasq! I think I will have enough money when the IRS coughs up my refund...until then I will be craving raw chocolate chip cookies!

[Raw Jewelrylady]

Thanks Lanasq! I think I will have enough money when the IRS coughs up my refund...until then I will be craving raw chocolate chip cookies!


Here is a Choc Chip cookie recipe that does NOT need to be dehydrated. I haven't made them yet-but I've read GREAT reviews...enjoy... :)

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8566&highlight=christmas+cookies

Lana

[raw-siobhan]

Hey, thanks Lanasq!!! Thats so terrific!

[portiz]

As far as the heat goes-the Excalibur has a covered door & I've ran it in the summer with no notice of heat.

Have you noticed your light bill going up? I just got mine for christmas and it has been non-stop on sundays and mondays (that's when I have the time to prepare everything).

I have the 9 tray model and always find ways to fill the trays to the max. I absolutley love it and am experimenting quite a bit. so far, even the dogs love it!!! The youngest dog, Cleo, already knows how the dehydrator sounds different when i open the door to check the food. She'll be right there waiting for a banana chip.
i've realized the possibilites for it are endless...
beef jerky for boyfriend (who will eat SOME of my RAW dishes)
tomatos, chives, and garlic soaked in kosher salt water, dried, then soaked in olive oil - relatives love it.
healthy rice patties, carob biskits, banana chips, and cookies for the dogs
...and of course, my meals.

[Bridle]

Raw Siobhan

My guess is that you will make treats you may bring wherever you're going. You will end up saving time, energy and money looking for things you may eat. PLUS you will be able to share simple snacks with others -- it is really fun to see people's expressions when they try a super yummy and healthy home made treats like crackers, kale chips or pies with a "flour" crust (dehydrated nut pulp that has been made into flour).

Enjoy!

[raw-siobhan]

Thanks you all for your helpful suggestions and advice. I will definitely get an Excalibur 9 tray from Alissa's website when I get my refund from the govt. :)