What are you DEHYDRATING today?

[mamagardener]

for bananas I dip them in lemon juice and honey, and it keeps them from getting brown and gives them a good flavor. I love bananas dehydrated, they taste just like banana candy!!!

 

[QueenRed]

I'm going to try to dehydrate some fish tomorrow. My DH doesn't like fish so much so we don't eat it a lot and I don't want what we have to go bad. So I thought drying it like fish jerky would be lovely. The only option I really have is solar drying as I don't have a dehydrator and I'm afraid to use the oven because of the cats. I've got a space in the back room cleared out. Will it work there or do I need to do it in the oven? and for how long?

Also thinking about doing some fruit leather. That would make a great treat and I think I could get my DH to eat it. Darn that meat eating man. I can barely get him to drink water for goodness sakes let alone veggies and fruit!

 

[me&thegals]

Just my epidermis. Normally we would be making some venison jerky this time of year, but deer are scarce and hubby is overworked right now, so that's looking less and less likely. I don't care about jerky, but I really want a few deer for many other uses!

 

[Ldychef2k]

QueenRed, I am a little confused. If I understand what you said, you are going to solar dehydrate in the winter inside a room? Help me !!!!

 

[QueenRed]

QueenRed, I am a little confused. If I understand what you said, you are going to solar dehydrate in the winter inside a room? Help me !!!!

Possibly, if it would work. :/

Alright, so it was a little headstrong on my part.

I'll use the oven. I hope the cats don't try to jump in.

Do you have any tips to help me out? Like how long to let them go in the oven.

 

[Ldychef2k]

I have only made beef or turkey jerky and only twice, so I am no expert. But I placed the meat directly on the racks of the oven, can't remember the temperature but the oven only does to 160, so that must have been it, and I didn't open the door much, just stuck a potholder in the gap so it was only open maybe 1/2". Just enough for circulation.

I just can't imagine there being enough sun inside a room to heat up a solar dehydrator, but I have only used solar in the dead of summer and in 100 degree or more heat. I have no idea if your method would work, so don't take my question as critique!

 

[QueenRed]

I have only made beef or turkey jerky and only twice, so I am no expert. But I placed the meat directly on the racks of the oven, can't remember the temperature but the oven only does to 160, so that must have been it, and I didn't open the door much, just stuck a potholder in the gap so it was only open maybe 1/2". Just enough for circulation.

I just can't imagine there being enough sun inside a room to heat up a solar dehydrator, but I have only used solar in the dead of summer and in 100 degree or more heat. I have no idea if your method would work, so don't take my question as critique!

No, I knew it wouldn't work. I was just dreading the oven. I don't trust my furries sometimes.

I thought the gap had to be bigger, that's why I was considering doing it in a room. However, sense the gap doesn't have to be that big, I can use the oven. Any idea on how long I should leave it in there? I read something that said 8 hours.

 

[miss_thenorth]

Just my epidermis. Normally we would be making some venison jerky this time of year, but deer are scarce and hubby is overworked right now, so that's looking less and less likely. I don't care about jerky, but I really want a few deer for many other uses!

Can you please share your jerky recipe?? I am really lost, and my family is crying for jerky. this will be my first time.

 

[Wifezilla]

I made summer sausage in the oven out of ground beef years ago. I need to see if I can find that recipe again.

 

[me&thegals]

I'm a wee bit embarrassed to admit we get that seasoning mix from Wal-Mart (ducking again!) and mix it with ground venison, then squirt the goo out a jerky gun onto our dehydrator trays.

My brother makes a great "whole-meat" jerky, though. I think he just marinates it in his favorite herbs and spices super long to let it soak in, then dehydrates. I'm thinking dried garlic, minced onions, pepper, salt, some cayenne or chipotle would be a good start. Maybe some Worcestershire? Or maybe I'm just craving Chex Mix.