Apple Chips

Ok this one is simple you don't need anything special, use the directions for what you have and make it work.

APPLE CHIPS
Prep : 10 mins
drying time varies 

3 lbs firm apples any variety will do
2 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice

-combine water and lemon juice in large bowl
wash apples 

*peeling apples is optional I personally leave them on
core and slice into even thickness 1/4 inch or less (I use an Apple Machine to make this process easier) 






- place apples as you slice them into water mixture and let soak until you have sliced all of the apples, the lemon juice will help deter the apples from turning brown.







Transfer the sliced apples directly from the bowl onto baking sheets of you will be using an oven to dry them or drying trays if using the dehydrator method.
Be sure to place the apples on a single layer trying not to overlap the edges




-if using a dehydrator set the temp for 325 degrees or follow the manufacturers directions. 
-For a gas/electric oven, set to 200 degrees 
another alternative for those who have a gas oven, placing them apples in the warming drawer while you prepare dinner or other foods will also work, takes much longer but if you don't mind waiting, it doesn't cost anything extra. 

You can tell the apples are done when they feel like a soft leather, but are not crisp.
You can either store the dried apples in a airtight container in a cool dark place, or in the refrigerator. 

Homemade biscuits: perfect for little helping hands

HOMEMADE BISCUITS

 

From start to finish this is a really simple recipe that kids

of all ages are able to help with

or for older kids even make on their own.

 

 

Ingredients : Yield 24 Biscuits

• 4 cups flour
• 2 tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup shortening or butter
• 1 can of carnation milk        * can substitute for 1 3/4 cup milk

1. Mix dry ingredients together

 

2. Add in shortening or butter and mix until crumbly

 

3. Add milk and mix until a ball forms

 

4. Roll out on floured surface , it is easier for kids to work with if you break down the dough into smaller balls for them

 

5. Cut into biscuits, we use a glass its easy for kids to use and they like to hear the popping sound it makes

 

6. Bake at 425 degrees for 8-12 mins in a gas oven

                  450 degrees for 8-12 mins in a regular oven

 

Watching carefully in the last minutes.

 

To Freeze: place uncooked biscuits on a single layer baking sheet , freeze 1-2 hours then put them in a freezer bag. Let thaw about 30 mins before cooking them.

Recipe can be easily doubled.



Leftover Rice Balls

LEFTOVER RICE BALLS 

As I've often mentioned , we usually have leftovers. Making extra of a specific food or meal is a great idea for a quick meal on busy nights. I also use them to make different meals,In this case Rice balls.

Nothing Fancy to them , but with little helpers the preparation can be a little messy . Obviously for safety's sake you the adult should be in complete control of the final step of frying.

Ingredients/Preparation- Yield 24 Balls

4 cups leftover rice, I've used all types , so don't worry about having a specific kind of rice. As you can see my rice had a mix of vegetables in it.

Generous Dash of spice/s- get creative here! My favorites are of course Salt, Pepper, Oregano, parsley, basil.

2 eggs mix into rice mixture to coat well, use your hands to ensure all rice is coated and not clumpy, if rice is still to dry add a bit of water

add bread crumbs to rice mixture, quantity will depend of how wet the rice is, I would guess about 1/2 breads cups for each cooked cup of rice, you want the rice sticky not soaking wet, you should have at least 1cup of bread crumbs put to the side for the final step.

Begin to roll rice into balls, once formed poke a hole about half way through using your finger and insert 1 piece of mozzarella in the center of each ball, about 1 cm x 1 cm depending on the size of your balls- optional
 * wetting your hands will make rolling them quicker and less sticky to handle, so keep a bowl of lukewarm water handy to dip your hands while forming your balls

use a cookie sheet to place your formed balls, best to keep some space between them,
 

 once you have them formed begin to roll each ball in bread crumbs .
 

Final step : Fry them up, I use a deep fryer filled with vegetable oil, but use what you have.
It takes about 2-3 min for a nice crispy golden crust.

Enjoy as a side or a snack Buon appetito!