When life gives you apples... make apple rings!

Dec 1, 2021

We are blessed here on the Central Coast with an extended apple season that begins in August and can continue well into November. Although applesauce and apple pie are favorites this time of year, dehydrating apple slices can be a yummy snack and even better gift this holiday season.

The following recipe was shared many years ago by one of our own Master Food Preservers, Tami Reece, and is a keeper.

Grandpa's Cinnamon Apple Rings

Recipe by: Tami Reece

 

Wash your apples under cool, running water. 

Lay out your clean and food safe dehydrator trays.

Core, peel and slice apples into uniform pieces. I like using a hand crank apple peeler-slicer for this recipe. It's fun and easy. However, you can get the job done with a peeler, knife, and cutting board as well.

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon on a plate and dip slices into mixture on either one or both sides depending on how sweet you like your apples.

Lay slices on trays leaving space between each one.

Dehydrate at 150 degrees F for 2-3 hours. Then turn down to 130 degrees F until slices are dry and can bend without sticking together but not break (approximately 3-9 hours).

 
Allow apples to dry for 30-60 minutes then store in loosely packed jars or sealed containers in a cool, dry place. Enjoy as a snack, use in baked goods, or save a few jars to give as gifts this holiday season.
 

Grandpa's Cinnamon Apple Rings by Tami Reece

8-10 firm apples, washed

½ cup white sugar

1 Tablespoon powdered cinnamon

Directions:

Peel, core, and slice apples.

Lay slices on a food safe dehydrating rack.

Place in dehydrator at 150 degrees F for 2-3 hours. Turn down to 130 degrees F until still flexible but no moisture can be squeezed out of them.

Enjoy! Did you try it? Let us know in the comments.

 

We invite you to “preserve today, relish tomorrow,” and to support our mission to keep Californians safe and well as they use culturally appropriate, research-based practices to safely preserve food in the home. For more information, visit our website at: http://cesanluisobispo.ucanr.edu/, or email us your home food preservation questions at slomfp@ucanr.edu, or call our helpline at: 805-781-1429.  We also check pressure canner gauges at no cost. 


By Shannon A Klisch
Editor - Area Director for UCCE in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties