These tasty sweet snacks are a fun way to eat your fruit and get a boost of Vitamin C. Cherries offer something sweet, while cranberries pack a punch of tartness.
Serves 12
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen (thawed) sweet cherries or cranberries
- 1 medium apple, cored
- ¼ cup Black Elderberry Syrup or GaiaKids® Black Elderberry Syrup
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. These can be prepared in the oven or in a dehydrator.
Oven:
- Preheat oven to the lowest setting, likely 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pour the fruit mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat. (If you are making more than one batch, line an additional baking sheet for each one.)
- Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the mixture about ¼ inch thin.
- Use a paring knife to score the leather into 1 inch wide strips, if desired.
- Place on the center rack in the oven for 2-3 hours with the door slightly ajar, until the fruit is no longer sticky. (You can place the handle of a wooden spoon in the door to hold it open.)
- Allow to cool, and carefully peel off the parchment.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Dehydrator:
- Line two trays of a dehydrator with parchment paper (skip this step if your dehydrator has nonstick liners).
- Divide your fruit mixture between the two trays. Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the mixture about ¼ inch thin.
- Use a paring knife to score the leather into 1 inch wide strips, if desired.
- Dehydrate for 4-6 hours, until the fruit is no longer sticky.
- Allow to cool, and carefully peel off the parchment.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Each portion contains a 1 teaspoon daily serving of Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup.