excalibur food dehydrator

[judydawn]

I'm going to wait until you girls post some lovely photos of what you have done in your dehydrator. I need photos to tempt me on this one.

[fundj&e]

me 2 JD . have you seen the video from the link that Jude59 posted 

[judydawn]

Just had a look fundj but videos buffer on my computer so gave it away. Will wait for photos from the girls.

[fundj&e]

have a look at the size of this one

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1943-Large-Dehydrator-Used-Preserve-Troops-Food-/260820676026?pt=Art_Photo_Images&hash=item3cba1fadba

[Jude59]

Haha!  Love it!  That would keep me busy for a while..... And I was surprised at the size of the 5 tray Excalibur.

[fundj&e]

i think it would keep the whole forum busy

[Jude59]

The thinly sliced tomatoes are looking and tasting great   the quarters are nearly at the semi dried stage I want - will place them in seasoned oil when they are done.  The colour of the tomatoes is really good and the texture.  I sprinkled my homemade seasoned celery and herb salt (celery and herbs dried by moi) over the tomatoes before drying.

[fundj&e]

looking good jude

[Jude59]

Wild success - two of my granddaughters have a sleep over here tonight and they are munching throug the dried apple slices (today's experiment ), with enthusiasm. And Eden (3) is VERY hard to please . Makes a grannies heart very happy. I have to say that these apple slices were popular even after a dish of chocolate mousse (a la nigella)!

[andiesenji]

Wild success - two of my granddaughters have a sleep over here tonight and they are munching throug the dried apple slices (today's experiment ), with enthusiasm. And Eden (3) is VERY hard to please . Makes a grannies heart very happy. I have to say that these apple slices were popular even after a dish of chocolate mousse (a la nigella)!

I know bananas are very costly in OZ right now but wait till you try them (if you like bananas) - and pineapple actually candies itself when dried.  

And if any of your dried fruits become too dry and hard - don't despair - steaming them will bring them back to life and you will have a  tender and tasty product.

And I have a tip about bananas that are quite ripe.  I slice them with the skin on and when they have been in the dehydrator overnight, the rings of peel separate from the slices and it is easy to discard them.  The slices are much easier to handle when freshly cut.
I usually select bananas that are not yet ripe, peel and slice them into acidulated water (I use citric acid) drain and dry on paper towels before putting in the dehydrator.

[fundj&e]

andi do you think a small one to start off is better, i have never used a food dehydrator

[judydawn]

Jude's looks huge - I don't know if I would need one that big 

[andiesenji]

When I ordered my first, I got the 5-tray but quickly found that while it was very efficient and handy, I really needed the bigger one.
The footprint is not any larger, it is simply taller (12 1/4 inches)  and it is more versatile - the shelves can be removed and large mixing bowls holding dough (covered with plastic wrap) can be placed inside for proofing.  Wet shoes (after rinsing the mud off) can be placed inside to dry as can other things that need more gently drying than the laundry dryer provides. 

I use it to crisp large batches of crackers, cookies and for drying big batches of bread cubes when the ovens are otherwise occupied. I make jerky with various seasonings from beef, turkey, chicken, venison etc., and make liver treats for the dog. 
And it is perfect for drying sausage that is going to be cured.

I've been making these kale "chips" since I found the recipe a year ago.  Healthy and tasty.

In the U.S. the price is not that much more for the large one so considering all factors, the large is more economical.

They now offer in the U.S. a small batch one 11 x 11 inch with 4 trays but it my opinion it is overpriced as it doesn't do much more than the less expensive ones that can easily be found on eBay.   

This site has a few more ideas.

[trudy]

Would you believe it - mine was delivered today but because noone was at home they took it away!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I think it's going to be delivered tomorrow, fingers crossed.  Can't believe that I have waited so long and then nearly had it, only for it to be taken away again!!

[Frozzie]

oh no..well i hope you get it tomorrow