Mimi has been dehydrating fruits and veggies since I was teenager. Although I never appreciated the benefits of dehydrated noms back then, I’ve since turned over a new leaf.

Next week I celebrate my 3 year “Healthy Me” Anniversary. After thirty-some-odd years of fast food bingeing, and eating candy bars for lunch I quit processed sugar, GMOs, and processed meals options. Finding healthy alternatives to a bag of chips and fruit snack-packs is tough when you’re on the road as much as I am. Oftentimes I’m subject to 8 hours of travel on a plane, train or automobile. I bet many moms out there can feel the pain, especially when running kids around on the daily.

Dehydrated fruit and veggies are not just a great snacking option for the whole family, but also a great way to buy local when the produce is in-season.

Bonus: Get this…they last indefinitely, when stored correctly. When buying lots of produce I always worry about how long its gonna last versus how fast I can eat it. So worry no more about over doing it on the bulk quantity of what you wish to make.

Cinnamon Apple Crisps

What you’ll need:

• a mandolin slicer
• a large bowl
• 6 apples
• 1 TBL lemon juice
• 1 qt. water
• apple pie spice (make your own below)

Apple pie spice: 3 TBL cinnamon, 1 tsp allspice, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp cardamom, 1/2 tsp ginger

Slice apples in mandolin, add to bowl with lemon juice/water solution to help prevent browning. Sprinkle apple pie spice over the apples before drying. You can use as much or as little as you wish, depending on your taste. Dry til pliable or crisp, your preference. Store in a glass container rather than plastic bags to prevent breakage.

Lime & Chili Apple Crisps: 3 TBL lime juice in water and sprinkle with chili powder…super yummy, too!

Up next we’ll have more healthy snacking options like Seed & Nut Butter!

Namasté

M&M