Fruit Leather Snacks

These fruit leather snacks are a fun and easy way to get your kids to enjoy the wholesome nutrition of real fruit without a ton of added sugar!

Fruit Leather Snacks

Fruit Leather Snacks

(Courtesy Pampered Chef)
Course Snack

Instructions
 

5 Steps to Basic Fruit Leather

  • Add the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Divide the mixture into each well of the Deluxe Air Fryer Fruit Leather Trays. Spread the mixture out evenly, making sure the edges of the tray are clean.
  • Cook on DEHYDRATE according to the time listed below, rotating the trays halfway through.
  • Check for your desired doneness at the minimum time listed. The fruit leather is done when they’re no longer tacky. (Each tray might dry at a different rate.)
  • Cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Favorite Flavor Combinations

    Strawberry

    • 2 pkgs (16 oz./454 g each) frozen whole strawberries, thawed and drained
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) orange juice
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) agave or honey
    • 12–15 hrs.

    Mango Pineapple

    • 1 pkg (16 oz./454 g) frozen chunked mango, thawed and drained
    • 1 pkg (16 oz./454 g) frozen chunked pineapple, thawed and drained
    • 1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lime juice
    • 1½ tbsp (22 mL) agave or honey
    • 12–14 hrs.

    Cherry

    • 3 pkgs (10 oz./300 g each) frozen, pitted sweet cherries, thawed and drained
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) agave or honey
    • 14–15 hrs.

    Peach Raspberry

    • 2 pkg (10 oz./300 g each) frozen peach slices, thawed and drained
    • 1 pkg (8 oz./250 g) frozen raspberries, thawed and drained
    • 2 tbsp (30 mL) agave or honey
    • 8–10 hrs.

    How to Choose Fruit For Your Homemade Fruit Leathers

    • You can use any fruit for your flavor combos. You can even add pureed cooked vegetables like carrots, beets, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes for more nutrients. Our Test Kitchen suggests considering these three things when deciding what fruit makes good fruit leather.

    1. Is it a Watery Fruit?

    • Cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries take longer to dehydrate because they have more water content. You can use applesauce, bananas, ground chia, or flax seeds to thicken up your fruit purees.

    2. Is it a Pulpy Fruit?

    • Oranges, grapefruit, mangos, and passion fruit taste great but will give the leather a bumpier texture.

    3. Does the Fruit Turn Brown?

    • Fruits that oxidize quickly (turn brown) like apples, bananas, and pears turn out best when you add acidic fruit juice. Try adding lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice.
    • If you want to try using fresh fruit, you can get started with the Strawberry Fruit Leather recipe above and use 20 oz. (575 g) fresh whole strawberries with the stems removed. (That’s about 2 ¾ cups.) Then follow the recipe and dehydrate time as shown. 
    • Or try the Mango Pineapple recipe from above and use 10 oz. (300 g) fresh chunked mango (about 2 cups) and 10 oz. (300 g) fresh chunked pineapple (about 2 cups). You might be able to use a little less honey (about 1–1½ tbsp).
    • With fresh fruit that’s in season, you can enjoy excellent fruit leather but be prepared for a little bit more testing. Your fruit leathers might turn out different from batch to batch depending on the ripeness of the fruit. Fresh fruits and over-ripe fruits typically have more water and take longer to dehydrate.

    How to Store Fruit Leather

    • Once your fruit treats come out of the air fryer, let them cool completely. For easy eating, cut strips of parchment paper and place the fruit leathers on top. Then roll them from there. This way the fruit leather doesn’t stick to itself when it’s rolled up (and they look super cute!) 

    Why is My Fruit Leather Cracking?

    • As you roll up your fruit leathers they might break or crack. No worries. That batch just got a little too dry. They’re still perfectly good to eat. For the next batch, try reducing your dehydrate time.
    Keyword buffet, childrens recipes, dehydrated, easy, football snacks, fruit leather, fruit rolls, healthy, kid friendly, lunchbox, Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer, Pampered Chef Fruit Leather Trays, party food, picnic food, roll ups, snacks

     

    Get your fruit leather trays here!

    Read my review of the Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer!

    Traditional Wedding Cake Frosting

    This traditional wedding cake frosting is just the right amount to frost an 8″ single-layer round cake! It’s perfect for those times when you need a small cake!

    Traditional Wedding Cake Frosting

    Traditional Wedding Cake Frosting

    Course Dessert
    Servings 14
    Calories 133 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup vegetable shortening
    • ½ tsp salt dissolved in 1 teaspoon warm water
    • 1 tsp vanilla*
    • ½ tsp almond extract**
    • ¼ cup water
    • 4 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
    • Food coloring, optional

    Instructions
     

    • Put the shortening, salt solution, vanilla, almond extract, water and 2 cups confectioners' sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
    • Beat on low speed until well blended.  Turn the mixer speed to high and beat for 10 minutes.
    • Shut the mixer off and add the rest of the confectioners' sugar.  Beat on low speed until well blended, adding more water if needed to reach desired consistency. 
    • With the mixer still running, add food coloring, a few drops at a time, to achieve the desired color.
    • *Use clear vanilla extract for a bright white frosting.
    • **Another flavor extract can be substituted for the almond extract or you can increase the vanilla by ½ tsp.
    • Hack:  Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
    • Note: This recipe will frost one 8" or 9" single-layer cake.
    Keyword buffet, dessert, easy, frosting, homemade frosting, party food, picnic food, traditional, wedding cake, white frosting

    Did you know?  The first recorded wedding “dessert” was a pie filled with oysters, lamb testicles, throat, rooster comb, and pine kernels.  Check out some other fun facts about wedding confections here!

    Suggestion:  Use this frosting to top a super fun tie-dye birthday cake!

    Asian Coleslaw With Ramen Noodles

    Asian coleslaw with ramen noodles is a fresh and easy take on a classic picnic dish.  It’s low in calories and fat as well as being a handy “make-ahead” salad!

    Asian Coleslaw With Ramen Noodles

    Asian Coleslaw With Ramen Noodles

    Course Salad
    Servings 4
    Calories 192 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ head cabbage, shredded (4 cups)
    • 1 carrot, shredded
    • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
    • 1 block of ramen noodles, uncooked (2 oz)
    • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)*
    • Toasted sunflower seeds (optional)*

    Dressing:

    • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
    • ¼ cup soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tbsp sesame oil
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • tsp ground ginger
    • tsp garlic powder
    • tsp black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Combine ingredients for the dressing and mix until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
    • Place cabbage, carrot and green onions in a gallon-sized zippered storage bag.  Add dressing to the bag and shake the bag to incorporate ingredients.  
    • Seal the bag tightly and store the coleslaw in the bag for at least 24 hours.  
    • Several hours before serving, coarsely crush ramen noodles and toss them into coleslaw.  This can be done up to 6 hours in advance for soft noodles or 1 -2 hours in advance if you want the noodles to retain some crunch.  
    • Sprinkle with sesame and/or sunflower seeds before serving, if desired.
    • *To toast seeds: lay them in a single layer      
      On a baking sheet.  Bake at 350℉ for 8 minutes or until lightly browned.      
      *or*       
      In a glass pie pan.  Microwave at 1-minute intervals until lightly browned.   
      *or*     
      In a skillet on the stovetop.  Cook over medium-low heat for 4-6 minutes.     
      –For all methods, shake or stir several times for even browning.
    • Hack:  Ask the produce clerk to cut a head of cabbage into wedges so you’ll only have to buy what you need.  They’ll wrap the leftover pieces and put it back on the shelf for sale.
    Keyword Asian cuisine, Asian food, Asian side dish, buffet, cabbage, cold side dish, cole slaw, coleslaw, make ahead, picnic food, salad, vegan, vegetarian

    Did you know?  Cabbage is part of the cruciferous collection of vegetables that are associated with lowering the risk of some types of cancer.

    Please check out my article for more health benefits of cabbage as well as some great recipe ideas.

    Homemade Rolled Chocolate Cookies

    Rolled chocolate cookies are fun to make and taste great! Lily-Rose gives this recipe two thumbs up so round up your little ones and give it a try!

    Rolled Chocolate Cookies

    Rolled Chocolate Cookies

    Course Dessert
    Servings 36 cookies
    Calories 140 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • cups flour
    • cup cocoa powder
    • ½ tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp salt
    • cups vegetable shortening
    • cups sugar
    • eggs, room temperature
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 375℉.
    • Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl.  Set aside.
    • Put shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attached.  Mix on medium speed until well combined and light in color.  
    • Turn the mixer speed to low and add flour mixture, ½ cup at a time, until it’s all incorporated into the shortening mixture.
    • Place cookie dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and roll to ¼“ thickness.  Use a cookie cutter to cut into individual figures. Peel cookie dough away from shaped cookies.  Flip the parchment paper over onto a greased cookie sheet and gently peel cookies off and onto the cookie sheet.
    • Roll out the remaining dough on the parchment paper and cut with cookie cutters.  Continue until all the dough is used.
    • Bake cookies for 7-9 minutes or until there are no wet spots on top of them.  Allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 5 minutes and remove to a cooling rack.
    • Decorate with powdered sugar, glaze or frosting, if desired.
    • Hack:  Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days or tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 6 months.
    • Hack: Unbaked dough can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or tightly wrapped and frozen for up to 6 months.
    Keyword buffet, chocolate cookies, cookie, cooking video, dessert, holiday baking, kids recipe, party food, picnic food, rolled cookies, sweets

    Read my review of the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer here.

    To see more videos from Lily-Rose and her friends, check out our YouTube channel!  Don’t forget to like, subscribe and press that notification button so you won’t miss any new videos!

    Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

    When was the last time you had old-fashioned peanut butter cookies? They’re a tried and true crowd-pleaser…just like Grandma used to make!

    Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookiesd

    Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

    Course Dessert
    Servings 1 cookie
    Calories 100 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup vegetable shortening
    • ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
    • cup brown sugar
    • 3 tbsp milk
    • 1 tbsp vanilla
    • 1 egg
    • cup flour
    • ¾ tsp salt
    • ¾ tsp baking soda

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 375℉.
    • Cream shortening, peanut butter and brown sugar until well combined and fluffy. Add milk, vanilla and egg. Mix just until combined.
    • In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt and baking soda. Add to the creamed mixture and stir to combine.
    • Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Dip a fork in sugar and press lightly twice on one cookie, flattening it slightly to create a crisscross pattern. Repeat for each cookie.
    • Bake for 7-8 minutes until set and just beginning to brown on the edges. Do not overbake, as cookies will continue to cook on the hot cookie sheet after removing them from the oven.
    • Allow cookies to rest on the cookie sheet for 2 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack.
    • Yield: 3 dozen cookies
    • Hack: Store cookies in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
    • Hack: Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until completely frozen. Remove to a sealable freezer bag and place in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, remove the desired number of cookies from the bag and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Allow to thaw completely before serving.
    Keyword buffet, childrens recipes, cookies, cooking video, dessert, homemade cookies, instructional video, Lily Rose Kindergarten Cook, old fashioned, peanut butter, picnic food, vegetable shortening

    For more from Lily and her friends, subscribe to her YouTube Page.  Don’t forget to like your favorite videos!

    Do you love peanut butter?  Try sesame peanut butter noodles!  They’re spicy, nutritious and super easy to prepare!

    Quick and Easy Homemade Bruschetta

    Although this easy homemade bruschetta is best known as an appetizer served on toasted bread, it’s also tasty when tossed with pasta, over potatoes, with rice or eggs!

    Easy Homemade Bruschetta

    Easy Homemade Bruschetta

    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 10 servings
    Calories 10 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
    • cup fresh basil
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced (4 tsp)
    • 1 tbsp balsamic reduction
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ½ tsp black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces (halves or quarters depending on size). Chop the basil.
    • Combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, balsamic reduction, salt and pepper in a bowl.
    • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
    • Hack: Bruschetta can be frozen for up to 8 months. While the thawed product will differ in texture from the fresh product, it will retain its flavor and is best used in cooked dishes.
    Keyword appitizer, bruschetta, buffet, easy, homemade, hors d'oeuvres, Italian cuisine, Italian food, picnic food, vegan, vegetarian

    If you have leftover tomatoes that are becoming over-ripe, simply puree them in the blender and freeze the fresh puree in sealed freezer bags or containers to use in recipes at a later date.  No need to core, peel or seed ‘em…just toss ‘em right in.  Run the puree through a mesh colander if you want to remove the seeds.

    For more ways to deal with an overabundance of fresh tomatoes during the growing season, click here for advice for saving them for later use!

    Suggestion: Although bruschetta is known as an appetizer served on toasted bread, it’s also tasty when tossed with pasta (including this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta), over mashed or baked potatoes, with rice or served with eggs!

    Colorful And Creamy Broccoli Coleslaw

    Creamy broccoli coleslaw is a tasty and colorful twist on a summer classic! Serve it with grilled ribs, bbq chicken, sandwiches or all by itself!

    Creamy Broccoli Coleslaw

    Creamy Broccoli Coleslaw

    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Servings 2
    Calories 257 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup red cabbage, shredded (about ⅛ head)
    • 1 cup broccoli florets, cut into small stalks
    • ½ cup raisins
    • ¼ cup matchstick carrots
    • ½ cup coleslaw dressing

    Instructions
     

    • Toss all ingredients in a small bowl. Serve immediately.
    • Hack: Cabbage, broccoli and carrot mixture can be made ahead and stored in a tightly sealed bag or container for up to 5 days. Add raisins and dressing when ready to serve.
    • Hack: Check the produce department of your local grocery store for pre-cut broccoli florets to avoid having to buy an entire head. You may also be able to find them in the salad bar.
    • Hack: Ask the produce clerk to cut a head of cabbage into wedges so you’ll only have to buy what you need. They’ll wrap the leftover pieces and put it back on the shelf for sale.
    • Hack: Matchstick carrots can be found in the packaged section of the produce department or on the salad bar. Freeze any leftover carrots for use in cooking.
    Keyword barbecue sides, broccoli, cold side dish, cole slaw, cole slaw dressing, coleslaw, coleslaw dressing, picnic food, raisins, red cabbage, salad, vegetable side dish

    Did you know?  Cabbage is part of the cruciferous collection of vegetables that are associated with lowering the risk of some types of cancer.

    Suggestion: This dish pairs perfectly with Slow Cooker Barbecue Pulled Pork!

    Suggestion: Use any leftover cabbage to make this roasted red cabbage and shrimp recipe or Oven Braised Pork Roast with Red Cabbage and Leek!

    Easy Guacamole Dip in Cucumber Boats

    Easy guacamole dip in cucumber boats is a low-carb snack that’s rich in nutrition and healthy fats…oh, and it tastes great!

    Easy Guacamole Dip in Cucumber Boats

    Easy Guacamole Dip in Cucumber Boats

    Course Snack
    Servings 2
    Calories 175 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and mashed
    • ¾ tsp lime juice
    • 1 tbsp minced onion
    • 1 tsp freshly chopped cilantro or ⅓ tsp dried cilantro
    • ½ tsp minced garlic
    • 1 cucumber, peeled, split lengthwise with seed removed
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Mix avocado, lime juice, onion, cilantro and garlic in a small bowl and set aside.
    • Sprinkle salt and pepper on cucumber and fill “boat” with guacamole.
    • Serve immediately.
    • Hack: Place any leftover guacamole in a sealable bag. Roll to press out as much air as possible and seal tightly. Store in refrigerator for up to two days.
    • Hack: Fresh herbs can easily be frozen. Lay flat in a single layer and freeze. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and seal tightly. Store in the freezer for up to 12 months. Alternately, herbs can be chopped and placed in ice cubes trays. Cover in oil and freeze for future use.
    Keyword appetizer, avocado, buffet food, cucumber, cucumber boats, dip, homemade quacamole, hors d'oeuvres, Mexican, picnic food, quacamole

    Ever wonder how to tell if an avocado is ripe?  How long it will be good after you buy it?  Check out these tips to find out!

    Suggestion: Serve this with or mix it with Simple Pico de Gallo (Easy Fresh Salsa) for an extra special treat!

    Lemon Herb Chicken Burgers

    Lemon herb chicken burgers are a delicious blend of lemon and herbs topped with thousand island dressing. It’s a meal you can really wrap your hands around!

    Lemon Herb Chicken Burgers

    Lemon Herb Chicken Burgers

    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 395 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb ground chicken
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • ¼ tsp minced garlic
    • tbsp dried parsley
    • ½ tsp dried thyme
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 4 tbsp Homemade Thousand Island Salad Dressing
    • 4 slices swiss cheese
    • 4 slices tomato
    • 4 leaves romaine lettuce
    • 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns

    Instructions
     

    • Mix the first 7 ingredients (chicken through salt/pepper) in a bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  Shape into 4 patties. Cook in pan preheated pan 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165℉.  Top each patty with 1 slice of swiss cheese, 1 tablespoon Thousand Island, tomato and lettuce. Serve on a whole-wheat bun.
    • Hack:  Place burgers on a cookie sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen.  Put individually into sealable sandwich bags and then into a sealable freezer bag or freezer container.  The rolls can also be frozen in the same manner.
    • Hack:  To extend the shelf life of romaine, separate leave and wash.  Dry in a salad spinner or with paper towels.  Place lettuce leaves in a sealable plastic bag or container with paper towels between each layer to absorb moisture.  Replace paper towels if they become soggy.
    Keyword barbecue, burger, chicken burger, cookout, picnic food, sandwich
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