Wet Wheatcrackers????

[ladypeace82]

Soooooo, I made wheatcrackers. The recipe from Alissa's book. They've been in the dehydrator more than 18 hours and they are still mushy. I followed the recipe exactly. And I mean exactly. I made sure I didn't put more of one thing just so this wouldn't happen.
But the excaliber doesn't feel like 105 degrees when I put my hand in it. it just feels like air. I live in Texas. I know what 105 degrees feels like. That's not it. So I just cranked the heat up to like 110. we'll see what happens.

Has anyone else had this problem? is my brand new dehydrator broken??
:( if it is, I will cry.

[beppa66]

YES. We live in more humid areas (I'm in FL) I have to cook at 118 or nothing gets done...even then I usually double the dehydration times.

Do you have a candy thermometer you can put inside to test the temp???

[beppa66]

PS. I find that if I add a little zucchini to the mix it makes for a crispier product. Don't worry, you'll get it. Just make small batches until you find something that works for you...less waste.

[ladypeace82]

I should get a thermometer. North Texas is usually pretty humid I guess. I mean if you think 60% to 80% average is humid. I'm used to it so I don't really notice it unless I try to wear my hair down and curly.
today is 100% humidity.......
I guess that's the reason. I'll up the temp some tomorrow and see what happens. I also made morning muffins. They are perfect texture and all but they don't taste very good. I brought some agave with me to pour on them when I eat them for lunch today

[beppa66]

I threw practically every other recipe in the trash when I was first experimenting. Keep at it, and try 1/4 recipe's...I tend to like much more flavor and spice than many of the recipe's posted. So play around with them, and taste the stuff before you put in in the magic box. If it doesn't taste good before dehydration it probably won't be delish after either.
Good luck!

[trinity082482]

Dont be afraid to keep things in for an extra day to get crispy. My problem is after I store it.. it looses its crisp.. so I am thinking.. I cant believe I wasted all that hydro and time waiting 2 days for crackers that only stayed crunchie for 4-5 hours.. true bummer. :D

[tvillemom]

trinity: Are you putting them in the refrigerator? I find that crispy crackers are fine, after they are room temp. in a ziploc baggie...but not in the "wet" refrigerator!

I also crank my deh. up to 140 for the first hour, and then cut it down to 115!!! I've read ALOT of times that this does not heat your food up, and will prevent it from FERMENTING, or MOLDING!!

Wendi

[tvillemom]

OH, by the way, I always put my "soft" crackers back in the dehydrator to crisp them back up, just before I eat them.

Wendi