we picked up a dehydrator a few weeks ago to start making our own dried fruits (for ourselves AND the birds). we figure it makes things a lot cheaper in the long run and this way we know there is no added sugars/preservatives.

i made a batch of dried bananas since ivy LOVES banana chips, but they turned out rubbery. my husband read online that most banana chips are fried. does anyone know how to make the crispy, crunch banana chips? i love the leathery dried bananas, but ivy isn't into it at all.

do you have your own dehydrator? what do you like to dry in it? any tips or ideas?

You know, I never thought of it... I didnt even know you could get such a thing.... Is it large? Expensive?

it's not that big, and pretty cheap. this is the one we have :

NESCO® American Harvest - Buy Online!

we got it at bed, bath, and beyond; had a 20% off coupon so it was pretty cheap after that!

it's a little bit loud is the only complaint i have. not overpowering or anything, but it sounds like the microwave running.

I have my own dehydrator. I dry bananas, strawberries, kiwi, starfruit, apples. I have made fruit rollups for the kids on it too (when they were little). I almost forgot...pineapple (golden).

Question about the bananas.......when you cut them, do you cut them thin or med? I dried Plantains the other day and mailed them to Jeanne, she said that they were chewy BUT, I cut them med to thick.

I have dehydrated fruits for the fids for the past 20 years. No, you can not make the banannas crispy like you get at the store. Mine like them chewy.
As long as you bought a dehydrator, try making beef jerky. (for yourself)

I have also made beef jerky and deer jerky. They are awesome and in the dehydrator it comes out almost like the store brands.

val, i cut the bananas about 1/8" thick.

susan, i would but i don't eat beef! hubby wants to try though. i really want to make my own granola.

Emily remind Val to bring some if you're coming to the bird fair....I know I'm going to try it!

I'm thinking of getting one myself.

Oh and plantanes are better than bananas :-)

What are you saying that you want me to make Jeanne?

If you want me to make more Plantains tell me cause they take several days to become ripe. Emily, do you want me to make you some to?

I thought you had made the beef jerky.... :-)