Just a few dried items

A basketful of the items that I have dried this week.

That have managed to put up out of the way this week with the aid of my small dehydrator.  The majority can be used for decorating but some of them can be used for both eating/snacks and decorating.  That for me is a win-win.

This is really just a short post of those items that have been going on in the background of lots of things that have been happening in the kitchen this week.  Lots has been going on but there will be hopefully a full report on Sunday evening covering this in detail.

The drying started with Spinach powder at the beginning of the week, quickly followed by Kale leaves (left in leaflets) and then decanted into jars. I need to add more of these but have not seen any in the shop since.  It may be that they have had them in and sold out, but they were not there when I went looking.

Have gone on to bag up my Bay leaves from earlier on (some of these are going to be turned into powder in any event).  I have also prepared Orange Slices.  These can be used in drinks and in puddings etc. but also for decorating little Christmas packages or main Christmas parcels.

Apple slices as well as dried nettles, quickly followed. 

I also have some small oranges that I am trying to dry whole, but they are taking an absolute age despite being in the dehydrator through all the batches of drying have done this week.  Might have to try alternative methods on this.  Needless to say, that they are still not dry.  Trial and error, Trial and error!

There are also tiny-teeny Crab apples which have been dried.  These are not for eating but for decorating.  I have some decorating projects coming up hopefully this weekend.  There are also some Spruce stems as well.  These are going to be used for Christmas decorations.  I shall do some more of these.

Finally, but not last and least, I started drying the mushrooms last night. I managed to get two tubs of ordinary mushrooms and one of Portobello style mushrooms (what I call old fashioned field mushrooms).  I chose to cut the mushrooms straight down and through part of the stem as I think this will look attractive sprinkled on the top of a Quiche, perhaps with Leek Ham and cheese.  I have another complete tub of these to go, plus the Portobello style ones which will be dried in thickish strips.

I am disappointed that I have not this year been able to source any Puffball mushrooms. We love these and they are very good for drying.

So, all in all quite a productive week.  However, that is not the end of it. I have plans for lots of other things too.  I tend to buy a lot of the fresh fruit and veggie items that I can utilise from the reduced section at the veg shop or the reduced section at the Co-Op.  Everything will get done in due course.

Catch you soon.

Pattypan

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