We are blessed here on the Central Coast with an extended apple season that begins in August and can continue well into November. Although applesauce and apple pie are favorites this time of year, dehydrating apple slices can be a yummy snack and even better gift this holiday season.

The following recipe was shared many years ago by one of our own Master Food Preservers, Tami Reece, and is a keeper.

Grandpa's Cinnamon Apple Rings

Recipe by: Tami Reece

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady work the best. Photo: SLO MFP program

Wash your apples under cool, running water. 

Photo: SLO MFP program

Lay out your clean and food safe dehydrator trays.

Apple corers are not too expensive and can save a lot of time.

Core, peel and slice apples into uniform pieces. I like using a hand crank apple peeler-slicer for this recipe. It's fun and easy. However, you can get the job done with a peeler, knife, and cutting board as well.

Photo: SLO MFP program

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon on a plate and dip slices into mixture on either one or both sides depending on how sweet you like your apples.

Allow a little space between each ring for airflow. Photo: SLO MFP program

Lay slices on trays leaving space between each one.

Dehydrated apples will be a light golden brown when finished. Photo: SLO MFP Program

Dehydrate at 150 degrees F for 2-3 hours. Then turn down to 130 degrees F until slices are dry and can bend without sticking together but not break (approximately 3-9 hours).

What a nice gift for someone special. Photo: SLO MFP Program

Grandpa's Cinnamon Apple Rings by Tami Reece

8-10 firm apples, washed

½ cup white sugar

1 Tablespoon powdered cinnamon

Directions:

Peel, core, and slice apples.

Lay slices on a food safe dehydrating rack.

Place in dehydrator at 150 degrees F for 2-3 hours. Turn down to 130 degrees F until still flexible but no moisture can be squeezed out of them.

Enjoy! Did you try it? Let us know in the comments.

We invite you to “preserve today, relish tomorrow,” and to support our mission to keep Californians safe and well as they use culturally appropriate, research-based practices to safely preserve food in the home. For more information, visit our website at: http://cesanluisobispo.ucanr.edu/, or email us your home food preservation questions at slomfp@ucanr.edu, or call our helpline at: 805-781-1429.  We also check pressure canner gauges at no cost.