Adventures in dehydrating

Yes!  I decided to take the "plunge" and buy my first dehydrator!!  I did a bit of research and decided on a few things: I wanted a low cost unit, minimum 500watts, quieter motor with temperature control, a fan that blows downward into unit and if plastic- that it be BPA free. I got all of those.  I found the Nesco FD-61 SnackMaster and Jerky Express. It's a basic unit with 4 trays and a fruit roll try included.  Nesco's website also has many great recipes to offer!!  I can't wait to make the Harvest Granola!  My first try was marinating and dehydrating some "chip tip" beef (thin sliced beef, lean from my local butchers) this beef was the perfect cut to use for this first timer!!  I used the marinade that Nesco offered in their recipe book that came with the unit. Once marinated, I dried the beef for 90 mins at the proper temp.  What Nesco (and others) don't come out and say is that meats need to be precooked to at least 160 BEFORE you place into the dehydrator to ensure eColi and other nasties are killed off...you also can finish off your beef in the oven at 350 for 10 mins *this is what I did...since I didn't know this "cook before caveat" beforehand...My next 'adventure' was slicing and dehydrating peaches, bananas and apples.  I will say - next time I will do bananas by themselves as they take approx 11 hours in my machine - where the apples and peaches take approx 7 hours.  I do NOT pre-treat my fruit with lemon juice as some suggest - there is just 'no need' in my mind and since we live in such a low humid area - the threat of my apple slices turning brown were low...as you can see in the photo above - they look great and the taste is AMAZING!!  the sugars concentrate when the moisture is wicked away and it leaves you with the amazing natural sugars and flavors!!  Best Snack Eats Ever!!  I will be keeping you all posted of 'future' drying adventures too :) Diane   

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