Berry Studded Apple Fruit Leather Recipes

PINEAPPLE-BERRY DEHYDRATOR FRUIT LEATHER

Steps:

• Combine the raspberries, strawberries and 1/2 cup applesauce in a blender and blend until very smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and transfer to a medium bowl or measuring cup.
• Combine the pineapple and remaining 1/2 cup applesauce in the blender and blend until very smooth.
• Put one nonperforated dehydrator insert on a work surface. Pour the pineapple puree onto the insert in random dots. Pour the berry puree onto the insert to fill the remaining space, making sure not to overlap too much with the pineapple (it will create thicker layers that won't dry properly). Gently shake the insert to evenly spread the puree all the way to the sides. Use a spoon or offset spatula to thin out any thick spots.
• Place the insert in a dehydrator and dry according to the manufacturer's instructions at 125 degrees F until the fruit puree is dry to the touch, matte and no longer shiny, about 12 hours (times may vary depending on the machine). Test with your fingers to make sure it is dry all over. Let cool at room temperature for 5 minutes. Use a butter knife to loosen the fruit leather from the insert and slowly peel away.
• Cut or tear the leather into pieces and store in an airtight container up to a week.

STRAWBERRY FRUIT LEATHER

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 175 degrees F. Line a 17-by-12-inch baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
• Put the strawberries, honey and lemon juice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the puree into a saucepan, bring it to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes.
• Pour the puree onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out almost to the edges, ensuring it's thin and even. Pay particular attention to ensure the middle is thin. Bake until the puree is set, about 5 hours. Let cool completely.
• Lay a sheet of parchment on top of the fruit leather. Invert the leather and gently peel off the mat. Cut the leather into 7 strips. Gently roll up each strip starting from the short end, then tie with twine. Store in an airtight container or package in cellophane bags.

MIXED BERRY MATZO BREI

Steps:

• For the spiced sugar: Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom in a small bowl and set aside.
• For the matzo brei: Fill a large mixing bowl with cold water. Break the matzo sheets into 1- to 2-inch pieces and add to the water, allowing to moisten for 45 seconds. Drain in a colander. In the now-empty mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, vanilla, and salt. Fold the moistened matzo into the egg mixture to evenly coat.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the egg-matzo mixture and spread out evenly in the pan. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the eggs to make a soft scramble, cooking until just set (the eggs should still be a little runny). Turn off the heat. Add the butter, then fold in 1 tablespoon of the spiced sugar and most of the compote, reserving some for serving.
• Transfer the matzo brei to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with more spiced sugar to taste, and top with the remaining compote. Serve with whipped cream, a sprinkle of flakey salt and the remaining spiced sugar on the side.
• Combine the fruit, honey, lemon juice, salt and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is broken down but still chunky, about 10 minutes. Remove from the stove, then discard the cinnamon stick.

FRUIT LEATHER

Steps:

• Tip the strawberries and apple into a saucepan. Put the pan over a low heat, you don't need to add any water. If you've used frozen fruit, juice will run out as they thaw. Heat gently, keeping an eye on the pan until the strawberries start to break down, you can put a lid on the pan if you like, this keeps the steam in and helps the fruit break down. Cook until the strawberries have softened and given up their juice and the apple is soft.
• Take the pan off the heat. Purée the contents with a stick blender or in a food processor. Squeeze the purée through a sieve into a clean pan, pushing as much pulp through as possible.
• Put the pan back on a low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the purée thickens enough to leave a clear patch on the base of the pan when you pull a spoon through it. The more moisture you drive off now, the shorter your drying time will be.
• Heat the oven to as low as it will go. Pour the purée onto a lined baking sheet (we use a reusable silicone tray liner) and spread it out to a thin layer, the purée should be thick enough to look opaque.
• Put the tray in the oven and dry until the surface is no longer tacky when you touch it, but the leather is still flexible - don't overcook it or it will turn brittle. This will take several hours depending on the oven temperature. If it is very hot and sunny you can air-dry the leather, or use a dehydrator.
• Leave the leather to cool to warm and then peel it carefully off the tray. Trim off the raggedy edges. Roll the leather up, then cut the roll into sections, using scissors is easiest. Each of these will unroll to make a strip. Keep the strips individually wrapped and airtight. The offcuts can be chopped up and used in baking, or snacked on.