food gifts from the dehydrator

[Random]

I am famous for the baskets of goodies that I make for Christmas. Yeah, except that I don't eat any of that anymore! I'll still make a bit because I don't want to disappoint anyone, but I'd also like to make a bag of healthy raw treats to add to the basket. (Plus it would SERIOUSLY help me to have some raw goodies to gorge on while cooking, so that I don't throw myself off the wagon and land on a big pile of fat and sugar).

Can anyone recommend some recipes? I'm thinking maybe some kind of a spiced nut mix, or maybe dried fruit? I eat pretty simply, but I want this to be fancy and special, since it's not for me. I have a dehydrator, but I must admit that I've barely used it since I bought it a month ago.

[Veganforlife]

Fruit roll ups?
Kale Chips?

[Random]

Thanks for the post!

How do you make fruit roll-ups?

I've made the kale chips, and while they're delicious when they're fresh from the dehydrator, they don't stay crispy. So I"m not sure that they'd make a very good gift.

[Veganforlife]

Really, they don't stay crispy? Mine do. How much EVOO do you add?

The roll ups are super easy. Whatever fruit you want, say apple and pear for instance. Put in food processor and process until smoth. Spread thin on teflex sheet(s) and dehydrate until done (check Alissa's book for the times for the fruit leathers). Then when done, roll up and cut to length desired.

Any of the dehydrated cookies and crackers would be nice too. RPs brownies too! Put these in a basket and have fresh fruit in the basket too and you have a nice gift going!

[spicyfull]

Fresh Fruit in Season.....Grapefruit, Oranges, Tangerines Etc.

[Eva]

You could do what you had suggested with some sort of raw trail mix -- some nuts, dried fruits, cacao butter, cacao nibs and maybe even rawererin's cheez-its in the mix...

:)

[juliebove]

I have done nuts with seasonings and also some with dried fruit. I don't have any actual recipes. I just did them to taste, using dates mixed with water or maple syrup for sweetener. Added things like cinnamon, black pepper and orange peel, depending on what I was making. I made some faux Sahale snacks and some candied pecans and walnuts.

[Veganforlife]

oh yeah! SNAP! My gRAWnola

pumpkin seeds
goji berries
cacao nibs
hemp seeds
sea salt
a bit of coconut butter
a bit of agave

all to taste...this keeps indefinitely, and it's pretty! AND a GR8 energy booster!!!

[Crazy Healer Lady]

How about some cookies? The base is equal parts almonds or other nuts ground and dates. Say 1 cup almonds and 1 cup dates. Grind the nuts, then in a food processor, add dates. You can add any spice to this. You could add carob or chocolate with some buckwheat crispies (buckwheat soaked 8-12 hrs, dehydrated 3-5) for some "Nestle"-type creation, or wrap around pieces of dates for a caramel-like treat, sort of like turtles. Or make them into Truffles! Xmas is never complete without truffles! You can also just mix almond/nut butter with the dates instead of the ground almonds.

[Raene]

How about candied almonds?

Or granola made of sprouted buckwheat, coconut, random seeds/nuts, agave, and cinnamon?

[Emma-Liza]

Last christmas I made bags of trail mix--two different blends. You could spice and dehydrate some of your own nuts, or not, as you like. Pumpkin seeds and pistachios add green, dried cranberries and cherries add red.

I used clear treat bags from the craft store and ribbon + tags functioned as the "wrapping." I made a number of them and had them for "unexpected" guests (there's always some!) The ones that were left were hotly contested, as my fam and friends love such stuff.

The craft store sells "chinese food" take-out boxes in all kinds of colors, mason jars or inexpensive tins, which would serve as good containers if you don't want to use the plastic bags.

[JennaBoBenna]

cookies (ginger, almond, pumpkin...etc), crackers (maybe with some cashew cheese?) trail mixes, fresh autumn fruit, dried fruit....I'm hungry now! haha

[DebB]

Hi ~ I've been going >>CRAZY<< making apple chips! I'm on the third, 22 pound box of apples. I've been getting organic apples at the farmer's market for $18 a box and making them all into chips.

I simply core them (Pampered Chef corer) and then slice them on the mandoline, spread on trays and sprinkle with cinnamon. Dehydrate at 105° for 12-15 hours, depending on the apple.

I've been thinking all along that these would make very nice Christmas gifts. My neighbor kids have already been back for more & more.

This Friday is the last day of our market and we're going to get another 2-3 boxes. (crazy, I tell ya!!) *Ü*

[anniez]

I love your idea. I am hoping the bump my answer gives will bring some more good ideas.

Alissa's Walnut Fudge is wonderful!!! Roll it in small balls. Then you could roll them in anything (crushed nuts, grated coconut) or drizzle with raw chocolate. This recipe is my new best friend!!! I intend to try it with other nuts, too.

Annie

[NoGMO!]

you could make decorated gingerman cookies..

[walnutty]

Macaroons!!!