Strawberry Fruit Leather

By Hklbrries

Ingredients

• 2 quarts strawberries
• 1 (2 ounce) package powdered pectin
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 to 1 tsp almond or vanilla extract, optional

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Use fully ripe or slightly overripe fruit. Wash and cut away any bruised or spoiled portions. Stem.

Puree fruit in blender or food processor. Puree may be strained to remove seeds if desired. Measure 4 cups puree.

Stir in the package of powdered pectin and sugar. Add extract (optional). Mix well.

Line cookie sheets or dehydrator shelves with heavy-duty plastic wrap. Spread puree 1/8-inch deep.

For conventional oven: Set temperature control at lowest temperature. Drying will take approximately 3 to 6 hours.

For dehydrator: Set temperature control at 140 F and dry for 6 to 10 hours.

For sun-drying: Use same techniques as would be used for drying fruits.

Leathers are done when sticky to the touch, but dry and pliable. Remove leathers from tray while still warm. Roll each leather in one piece and cut into 3- to 4-inch lengths. Leathers may also be cut into 4- or 6-inch squares and then rolled. Wrap individual pieces in plastic. Leathers may be stored up to two months without refrigeration. For longer storage, place in refrigerator up to 4 months or in freezer up to 1 year.

Should a filling such as cream cheese be used, spread on leather prior to rolling, then cut into 1-inch slices. Filled leathers should be eaten immediately.