Hi, Reader! If you are going to experience the big winter weather event happening this weekend, tell me how you're going to prepare for it. Are you: Panic-buying all the bread, milk, and TP Relying on what you already have stored Somewhere in the middle? I'm in the middle Relying on what we have, but also buying snacks and goodies to keep us from getting completely bored being stuck in the house for 3 days (potentially). We're shoring up plumbing things this evening to make sure outside...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! In the deepest part of winter, dehydrating food may not be on your mind. You've just survived the Holidays, the weather outside is frightful, and you just want to curl up and hibernate until Spring. However, it's important that we never remove ourselves so much from stocking our pantries that we completely miss out on a great time of year to put things away for when we really need them. Imagine one of these scenarios: Being socked in by snow or ice and can't get to a store for...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! I know it's been a while since we've talked, and I'll apologize right up front. I'm in a season of life that is busy and a little stressful, and let some things slide. So I'll understand if you see this letter and think, who is this?! Just a reminder - I'm Darcy, and I really want to be your dehydrating BFF! But first, I want to know what's been going on in your life! How was your summer? How was the garden production? How's your pantry faring after a season of preservation? Let...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! Do you ever feel like you have made all this dehydrated food, only to put it on your shelf and leave it there because you're not sure what to do with it? I know that's a real sticking point for many. Canned food seems so easy - but dehydrated seems alien. So today, I hope that I can help you with some ideas - from breakfast to lunch to snacks to dinner to dessert - that can help spark your creativity in how to use your dehydrated foods. Watch How to Use Dehydrated Foods Now! Watch...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hi, Reader! A first question I get from almost every beginner is, "I put my food in the dehydrator for 6 hours, like the manual said, and everything is not dry. What did I do wrong?" My anwer almost always is - trusting that timer. Learn more about why timers are good for nothing more than watching time past when it comes to dehydrating: Watch video TLDR: In this video, I show how to dehydrate cherries, and the danger of relying on that timer instead of whether a food is actually dry or not....
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hi, Reader! It is peak gardening and harvest season for everyone, and I bet you might be drowning in zucchini. So I have a new video today on how to dry it, and how to create a savory zucchini muffin that will give you a great breakfast or snack, especially for those of you who are trying to get off the sweat muffins! Click the image to watch the video! We learn about correct muffin blending, what happens when you forget an ingredient, and why your muffins might be a little tough! Watch video...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Whenever anyone asks me what tools are necessary for dehydrating, they often give a list of things they've seen online that are 'mandatory'. I always like to reassure them that excess tools are not necessary. "Your dehydrator (or oven or the sun), a knife, and a storage container are all that is necessary." The following list may contain Amazon affiliate links at no cost to you. They are bolded and linked for you. You don't need: Fancy Liners - Parchment paper will work in almost every...
8 months ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! As you know, I've been on a big health journey in the last year. And though I've always loved to snack on my dehydrated foods, I've been making a concerted effort to give myself healthier options to curb the craving of the salty crunchy monster or the sweet tooth late in the evening. Do you have that problem? What's your weakness when it comes to snacking? How I Give in to the Cravings I spend a lot of time making vegetable chips to help with those nagging cravings I get. Bonus is...
8 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! You might do this -- buy a food to have with a meal (or make one) and find that either you didn't get to it before it 'expires' or maybe you just couldn't eat it quickly enough and it's going to go bad in the fridge. But did you know that many of the things we make or buy can actually be dehydrated for longer-term storage? You might want to give one of these projects a try! Dehydrating Kimchi Dehydrating kimchi is a fantastic way to preserve its flavor and nutrients even when you...
9 months ago • 1 min read