A few weeks ago during spring break here, I decided to start it off with something fun for the kids. I decided to try my hand at making fruit leather in my dehydrator. I wanted to use something that would be easy, inexpensive and, of course, fun! It’s spring break–it has to be fun!
After a trip to the store, we came home with two large jars of applesauce and two small packages of Jell-O. The perfect combination. Easy, inexpensive and fun!
Dump one jar of applesauce in a bowl and add one package of Jell-O, mixing until combined.
Spread thinly on parchment paper lined trays. Place in dehydrator until dehydrated, yet still pliable. When done, roll up parchment paper with fruit leather and cut into desired size pieces.
This can also be done in the oven. Just spread on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and place in oven set at lowest temperature for 5-6 hours until done.
I think they are enjoying it!
I spent about $5 getting 2 jars of applesauce and 2 packages of Jell-O. It made 56 rolls the way I cut them. I am pretty happy with that and so are the kiddos!
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Joy says:
What flavors of jello did you add to the applesauce? They turned out a beautiful shade of red and green. Cherry, strawberry for the red? Lime for the green?
Gee, I could see a whole series of fruit rollups made with, oh say, commercial sized can of pears whirled up to a smooth paste in a blender with jello added–something exotic like watermelon or peach or berry blue flavored jello if your grocery will order it for you. Wonder if it works with sugarfree jello?
Anyone with a dehydrator want to try something exotic and colorful–blue rollups, peach colored rollups, pink watermelon flavored rollups?
On April 6, 2012 at 5:24 pm
lisabetholson says:
This sounds so easy. When my DD was small (2 to 3) when we went grocery shopping she would run from the car to the produce isle and grab a fruit roll and usually be standing by for me to open it when I caught up with her. NO, I NEVER TURNED LOOSE OF HER UNTIL I KNEW SHE WAS CLEAR OF TRAFFIC.
On April 6, 2012 at 5:32 pm
tsmith says:
I used Berry Blue and Raspberry jello. The kids loved it and the whole batch did not last very long!
On April 6, 2012 at 6:43 pm
mom2girls says:
what a great idea! i’m sure my five year old would love to try making this with me (and eating it, of course!) just out of curiosity, what size were the applesauce jars you used (i live in canada and sometimes our sizing is different)? i’ll probably make my own, just wondering how many cups of applesauce to use.
On April 6, 2012 at 11:00 pm
tsmith says:
I used a 50 oz sized jar of apple sauce. You could use more of less to get the flavor you desire.
On April 7, 2012 at 9:21 am
Darlene in North GA says:
Mom2girls
That would be about 6 cups of applesauce. hth
On April 10, 2012 at 11:23 pm