Pear leather

 I made fruit leather this week, thanks to the generosity of two friends, one who has extended me a very long loan of her dehydrator (I store it for her in my cold celler) and a wonderful lady and her fella who were willing make room for, and bring, a big tote bag of free pears back on a return trip of 300km from their parents backyard up north.

Pear leather is a delicious and simple snack that is much like fruit roll-ups only made with real food and nothing else.

My recipe does not have many measurement, because it's always based on what fruit I can find at any given time.  This is a good thing to do with windblown apples and wild harvested fruit, items that might be to tough or tart to eat out of hand can be really good if you just find the right way to process them. You can easily cut away bruised areas and adjust flavors by adding other fruit.

• Wash core and slice all fruit

• zest and juice 2 lemons to brighten flavor
• Add a tiny bit of water to get things started

• Cook covered 30 min on med-low (yes, the pizza stone above is my lid)
• Mash up some more and open up the pot to begin thickening sauce
• Season with cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg to taste

• Puree with stick blender when everything is soft 
• Cut parchment paper to fit dehydrator trays

• Pour 2 cups of sauce per tray, smooth out evenly in tray, keeping back from the fan holes
•  stack 4 high 

• Dehydrate for 12 hrs YMMV till firm and translucent and not too sticky (above image is only 1/2 done)

• Slice each tray into 4 
• each piece has apx the same calories as a 1/2 cup of applesauce and it is far easier to eat on the go or carry hiking or backpacking

Enjoy with friends!