Its arrived

Its arrived - my new Excalibur 9 Tray Dehydrator with temperature and time  control.  For over five years I have looked to acquire one - as I could see the scope of this expensive piece of machinery in my household of not only giving me the option to do things quickly and efficiently with good quality produce to boot but also taking advantage of reduced items and gluts and adding interesting ingredients to my Pantry shelf.  Sometimes you have to spend to accumulate, but I hope that this will help with potential waste which I hate.  

I am itching to get started with this and have already bought some oranges to make dried fruit peel and orange powder to reconstitute to make a fruit drink which should ensure a regular supply of vitamin c to the diet

I have to clear a space in the dining room to set the machine up safely so that the cats leave it alone and then I shall get started.

OH goes fishing so I thought it would be  good way of feeding him as well.He particularly likes jerky, trail mixes anything that makes his life easier.  It will also help quite a bit with my crafting i.e. salt dough creations, home made pot pourri,  fruit powders, home seasonings, dried fruits for adding to my home made cereals and baking, home made liqueurs/cordials, breadmaking (it can be used for proving dough), dried fruit slices for inclusion in home baking and/or making home made garlands for the Christmas season.  I have a very active herb bed at the moment particularly with my black peppermint so I thought I would have a go at making my own mint teabags and drying herbs generally.  There are also recipes for home made animal treats as well which should keep the cats and dogs happy - but then again you never know with the motley crew sometimes they are just a tad fussy. then there is the opportunity of candying fruit, making my own yogurt, dried veggies for use in soups and stew through the winter months,

I foresee that this piece of equipment is going to fit in just well.  There is going to be lots of experimentation.  

I am looking forward to the autumn harvest and being able to dry berries, hips and haws. Rosehips are very good with assisting with my medical conditions but I need to create in effect a year's supply to supplement my diet and with the machine this should make my life a lot easier.

I shall post updating articles as I get to play but I am very much looking for the to the playing.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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