Decorative Dried Apples Recipes

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to lowest temp.-On my oven, this is 170F. (If your oven won't go lower than 200F, don't try this method. Any higher than 200F and this probably won't work well)
• 2. Add the lemon juice to the water in a shallow dish.
• 3. Core and slice apples into rings or slices. Slice about 1/8in. if you want thin apple "chips". Slice about 1/4in. for thicker chewier slices. This is definitely easier with a mandolin type slicer(I used the Pampered Chef simple slicer), or food processor, but a sharp knife and patience would work, too!
• 4. As you slice, place the apple slices into the water/lemon juice.
• 5. Place the apple slices, in a single layer on cooling racks that have been placed on baking trays*. (No need to drain or dry them, just shake off the excess liquid and put them right on the tray.) Pop in the oven and ignore for the next 7-8 hrs. (It is helpful to prop the oven door open a couple of inches while the apples are drying, to let moisture escape.)When apples have reached desired dryness, turn off the oven and leave for another 30-60 min. Remove, cool, and store in airtight container.
• 6. *You could do this without the cooling racks, but I think you would probably need to flip the apple slices half way through the drying time.

Steps:

• Slice apples and cut fruit into 1/8 - 1/4 inch thick slices.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of salt in one gallon of water and soak fruit slices for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from water.
• Spread slices on baking sheet and bake in 180 degree oven for 3 to 4 hours until dry, turning occasionally.
• Dust with cinnamon and string with raffia or ribbon.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with nonstick baking mats. Core apples, then slice paper-thin with a mandoline or a very sharp knife.
• Arrange slices in a single layer on prepared sheets. Sprinkle evenly with sugar. Bake, turning twice, until dry and edges begin to curl, about 1 hour, 5 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks. Dried apple slices can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 month.