Dried Apples

Fall is all about getting ready for winter. I'm not into canning, but I do like to dry things.  Drying is a wonderful way to persevere fruit long into the future. I've tried bananas, peaches, and other fruit, but I find that nothing tastes as good as dried apples. 

Of course, the right apples make a difference. These came off the Circle J Ranch at the bottom of the Big Horns, just inside Ten Sleep Canyon. 

Apples are super simple to work with. However you go about it, just core them and slice them. These slices are plenty thick, but they dry down fine in the long run. 

I don't put anything on them. In the past I've tried cinnamon, but it just doesn't seem worth the effort and mess to me.  All you have to do is put them on the dehydrator racks...

And turn them on. 

These were on for 24 hours. I don't think you can over dry them. 

I like to get them to the point that they break like chips. Good for nibbling. 

Money.

Drying food is fun and simple, especially apples. Not sure what their nutritional value is, but they sure do taste good. I love the changing of the seasons. Whether you are gathering up hay for the cows or preserving food in the pantry, winter is something you want to be ready for. If you are, sit back and enjoy the ride. If not, hang on. It might be a long four months.