Apple season is in full bloom! Over the last few weeks, we’ve been using local apples in our Food Preservation classes. What do we make with apples? We make some of my mom’s favorite fall-inspired treats: apple chips and apple butter. In this article, I am sharing Nana’s recipes with you so that you can enjoy some delicious apple chips and apple butter too!
Why Is It So Important To Make Your Own Food?
You are right, you could buy these things at your local store. However, when you make your own food, you can control the quality of your ingredients.
Organic, pesticide-free, local, etc. You get to choose… Whatever is most important to you.
Make It With Apples, Not Added Chemicals
There are lots of additives that aren’t necessary for fresh, cooked-at-home food. Did you know that a typical loaf of bread from the store contains over 25 ingredients (half of which are unpronounceable)? The “Soph-a-Loaf” bread recipe we shared earlier this year contains water, flour, salt, and yeast. THAT’S IT!
It’s Good For Your Kids
We all need to understand how food gets to our table, and who better to teach children than their parents. Cooking is a great way to connect with your family and learn about your food system.
Each of these recipes has 6 ingredients or less and is simple enough to do with kids of all ages. Ready to make apple butter: Find the recipe HERE. Those apple chips sound amazing to snack on, don’t they? Find that recipe BELOW. Give them a try!
Food Preservation Station
If you are local and would like to sign up for one of our homeschool classes on Food Preservation, check out our Events Calendar to find a class!
No Experience Necessary,
Kelly
Delicious Recipes to Make With Apples
Ingredients
Instructions
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Combine water, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a large bowl; stir to mix.
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Cut each apple in half then slice each end off the apple (the stem and butt). Slice the remaining apple into approximately 3/8″ thick slices, making the slices as even as you can. Use a mandolin if you have one. (Do not slice too thin or the apple will stick to the dehydrator.)
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Repeat for the remaining apples. Place cut apples into the lemon water, stirring so each apple is coated with the water. Let soak for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally (this step is optional).
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After soaking, place apples in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Set the temperature for 145F and allow it to run for 8-12 hours, testing at the 8-hour mark for doneness. Apples should be hard and crunchy without any moisture. Dehydrate apples longer if they are too chewy.
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Store in a sealed container.
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To Dehydrate Apples in the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200F.
- Slice apples with a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. (Soak in lemon water if desired. Use 1 Tbsp lemon juice to 1 cup water.)
- Lay apples on parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 ½ hours. Checking apples halfway and flipping. Continue baking until the apples are dried and crispy.
Ready to make apple butter: Find the recipe HERE.
