Food dehydration is the oldest form of preserving food. It can be dated all the way back to the Egyptians. I’m sure that when the pilgrims came over on the Mayflower they were carrying lots of dried foods, too. People dried food, not only because it lasted longer and it was easier to carry from place to place, but also because fresh food was not always available. Somewhere along the way electricity came into the picture and jars of dried foods were replaced with canned or frozen foods.
Today, technology has combined the old form of drying food with electricity, in the form of the food dehydrator. You gotta love modern times!
The best part about it is that it has a temperature dial. Not everything gets dehydrated at the same temperature. Our old dehydrator was the kind that you just plug in to turn on, and unplug to turn off. Everything had to be dried at the same temperature, and there was no telling what that was. More often than not, things got over dried.
Last night we had our April keepers meeting. We talked about food dehydration and had lots of dehydrated foods to sample.
Some zucchini, cabbage, soup mix and pineapple from my pantry.
Soup mix.
Some onions and mushrooms.
My counter was filled with all kinds of goodies from Janice’s pantry and mine. Oranges, grapefruit, fruit leather, granola, jerky, potatoes, celery, stuffing mix, hot peppers, and more. I didn’t make the granola in the dehydrator, but I used some dehydrated fruit in it. I also made a chicken soup using some of my dehydrated vegetables.
The soup was delicious!
Janice brought some homemade soap for all the ladies to take home with them. It smelled AMAZING!
Marianne loves her soap.
This is a bar of lavender chamomile soap that Janice gave to me. MY FAVORITE! I think she knew that.
The evening ended with a craft that Janice did with everyone. Silly me, I didn’t get a picture of the finished product. We modge podged plates using fabric. They were adorable.
I think everyone had a great evening. I know I did.
Thanks ladies!
Blessings,
Julie
You need to invite me sometime especially is Janice is giving away soap.. grin.. I love the kitchen. Is it yours, Julie.. I upsized each pic trying to see your kitchen.. I would like to see a finished plate as the girls might like to try that.. (If you don't mind).. Do you decorate with them...
ReplyDeleteBlessings..
Wouldn't it be great if our groups could get together! Maybe we can plan something at Kings Landing?
DeleteYes, the kitchen is mine. It is pretty large and happens to be our favorite room in the house. It's where my husband and I spend all our time.
I didn't make a plate, so I don't have a picture, but I'll see if Janice can blog about it. We wouldn't mind at all if your group made them! I think they'd really love them.
Blessings,
Julie
Oh Julie,
ReplyDeleteThose groups look like so much fun! I wish I lived nearby.
xoxo
I wish you did, too. We'd have lots of fun!
DeleteHave a great Monday!
Julie
I made some plates yesterday, I bought clear plates at the dollar tree, cut material to lay flat on the back. Then paint the back of plate with modge podge, smooth the material on the back of plate. 2 coats of modge podge over the material, yesterdays plates had deer, bear, camp, lake. I made these for some friends who just bought camps.
ReplyDeleteThey sell at a local hand made store for $25 a piece, and there is so much material to choose from.
When you wash them don't emerse in water, just clean with warm soapy dish cloth, not microwave safe. Well thats it for the plates. very easy craft
Faye, make sure you use the gloss modge podge, so your plates will have a smooth finish to them. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Janice!!
Blessings,
Julie