As I do every year, I'm oven-drying fruit ornaments for my tree as I write this post. I can tell you, the apple cinnamony scent filling my kitchen right now is homey and wonderful on this frosty cold morning. A cup of tea is almost a must-have accompaniment. If you've not tried drying fruit as ornaments, it's really easy and although it takes awhile, it's truly worth it. In addition to ornaments, the apple slices make wonderful and nutritious snacks to munch on throughout the holidays or add to other dishes like; granola, cookies, breads and cakes or to serve alongside roast pork, in salads ... or even sandwiches.
Dried Apple Slices
Preheat oven to 250 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice apples as thinly as possible, about 1/8-inch. Using a mandolin makes step even easier.
Arrange slices in a single layer on baking sheets and sprinkle with cinnamon. (You can skip the cinnamon step if you want plain apples).
Bake for 1 1/2 hours and then flip each slice. Bake for another 1 1/2 hours or until completely dry and crisp. This second step will depend on the thickness of your slice. Once these apples are cool, they will not continue to dry and crisp. It's important that this step is completed in the oven.
Cool completely. String with raffia or ribbon and hang on your tree. Store the snacking slices in an air-tight container for up to a week.
