There are tactics for food preservation beyond canning and pickling. With garden season approaching, I was excited to try out this nifty appliance.

My Take
At first I was surprised when a very large, heavy box appeared on my doorstep, but I was immediately impressed by the looks of this machine. Measuring about 14 inches high and 17 inches wide, it has digital timer and temperature gauges and easy-to-read controls. It also comes equipped with various well-made (BPA free) trays to accommodate any type of food. My favorite was an ingenious flat tray for making crackers and fruit leather.

The concept is fairly simple: The machine circulates warm air throughout the chamber to evaporate the liquid out of foods. The drying process concentrates the flavor, changes the texture and of course helps increase shelf life. The best part is, there’s none of the preservatives or sweeteners that you might find in commercial varieties of dehydrated food.

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Almond Lover's Trail Mix - Photo Courtesy Food Network Magazine

The sweet and crunchy combo of nuts and dried fruit makes a satisfying snack you can enjoy just about anywhere. But when you buy pre-made kinds, there’s usually something in there you don’t really like. The solution: Make your own signature blend in three simple steps.

Learn to make your own trail mix, plus portion-control tips »

If you’re a wine-drinker, you’ve probably seen the word “sulfite” listed on the bottles. Find out why they’re used in most wines, and which wine-lovers should be worried.

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The end of winter is always the time when I want some new fruit! I love the apples and citrus that are available at the market, but I need a change. That’s when I turn to the dried stuff and look for ways to experiment with them in dishes.

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