Nesco American Harvest FD-75PR 700-Watt Food Dehydrator

The NESCO Professional Food & Jerky Dehydrator has more power than most dehydrators -- 700 watts -- which means faster drying time. You will have results in hours, not days. The top mounted fan with patented Converga-Flow action pressurizes air downward through the outer ring and horizontally across each individual tray, converging at the center, for fast, even drying. No need to rotate trays. The adjustable thermostat allows you to dry different foods at proper temperatures (95-155 F), providing the flexibility to produce the best drying results. As your needs grow, the Professional Food & Jerky Dehydrator can be expanded up to 12 trays.

How do you feel about strawberries. I personally like them. They are a treat that we eat whole or sliced with drizzled honey. Did you know that the average strawberry has about 200 seeds on the outside. My kids always contemplate growing strawberries in their tummies after eating the seeds.

A quick and easy way to hull out your strawberries is to insert a straw in the bottom of the berry and push it up through the stem.

When you are buying strawberries from the grocery store look for ripe berries that are firm and dry. The green tips should be fresh, not wilted. Turn the box over and check that it is dry. If the bottom is moist or stained some of the berries may be overripe.

To keep the berries fresh for the longest amount of time, do not wash them when you bring them home. Place them in the refrigerator and store until ready to use. Wash them when you take them out to serve, or cook with.

Did you know that seven to eight medium sized strawberries makes a serving. In that serving you will have only about 22 calories. This could be one of the best kept fruit secrets of all time.

If tradition does not dictate strawberry shortcake for dessert try these variations.

Dipped in chocolate

Chopped or dipped in your favorite yogurt

Dipped in sour cream

Dipped in whipped cream, homemade is preferable

Dusted with a little confectioners sugar

However you eat your strawberries enjoy them in the knowledge that they are healthy sweet treats.

http://www.gourmayeats.com

Shauna Hanus is a gourmet cook who specializes in creating gourmet meal plans. She has extensive experience cooking with easy to find grocery items to create delightful gourmet meals. Her meal plans are easy to follow and pleasing to all who eat them. http://www.gourmayeats.com

dehydrator

Nesco FD-80 American Harvest Square-Shaped Dehydrator

Easy-to-use dehydrator for drying fruit, vegetables, herbs and jerky. Lay out jerky strips with ease. Includes spices and cure packets.

Many people from around the world enjoy the light flavor of chamomile tea. If you enjoy drinking the tea, you might be interest to know it is easy to grow your own chamomile.

Combine Gardening with Tea Drinking

Even if you are a beginner gardener, growing chamomile is easy. Start by buying some seeds from a local merchant. If you cant find any stores near you, there are many online seed stores to order from.

The seeds are very small, and can be scattered in a small area of your garden. Lightly rake the soil to cover them or cover with a thin layer of fine soil. Water and keep the soil slightly moist while the seeds germinate.

Chamomile grows well in North America. It can grow in relatively dry climates with a little watering. The plant doesnt grow very tall usually 24 inches is the tallest height. It can be used as ground cover or to fill in areas where you need a low lying plant.

Picking the Flowers

The flowers are bright yellow and slightly cone shaped. The blooms start out small and can grow up to a third of an inch across. To make tea, you need to pick the blooms before they seed. Once they turn a dull yellowish grey color, they have gone to seed. The seeded flowers dont have to go to waste keep the seeds to plant again next year.

After youve picked a fair amount, wash to get rid of any loose dirt. Shake off the excess water. You can air dry the flowers by putting them in a dry place in the house for several days. Covering lightly with cheesecloth can help keep dust off while they dry. If youd like the process to go faster, you can put them in the oven for several hours on a low heat. You dont want to bake them, just make the drying go faster. A food dehydrator is another way to speed up the drying process.

Chamomile makes a beautiful addition to the garden with the reward of providing you with your own, home grown tea.

Find more articles on tea at the Tea and More website. Find articles on blended chamomile tea and more related tea articles

dehydrator

Nesco American Harvest 5-Tray FD-35 425-Watt Snackmaster Dehydrator

This unit features Nesco/American Harvest's innovative Top Mounted Powerhead that dries food quickly and evenly with superior results. Detaches to make dehydrator dishwasher safe for easy clean up. Fan-Flow Technology means faster, more even drying with no tray rotation necessary. Perfect for the beginner.

(Insect Repellent) - No surprise here.

Mosquitoes, ever heard of them? Around here, they are big, they are mean, and they are plentiful. Not to mention, they are stealthy, stubborn and annoying. Everyone hates that ever familiar sound of a mosquito buzzing around your head, It conjures up feelings of anxiety and, in some cases, sheer terror. I have actually fled an area before, just to avoid being their lunch. Most wooded areas stay moist during the warm months, making them the perfect habitat to breed mosquitoes. The first thing you will need to do is find a repellent that is right for you. There are many varieties of Repellent on the market, the most popular and most effective one contains a chemical called DEET, but there are other types of natural ingredient based repellents also. One common misconception about bug spray is that it is being absorbed into your blood stream, and poisoning your body. Trust me; everything you touch on a daily basis has the potential to make you deadly ill. There are probably more bacteria in your kitchen sink that are more likely to cause you harm, then any bug spray will. When used as directed, bug spray is no more harmful than any other product we apply to our skin on any given day. You just have to use your head, read the instructions thoroughly, and take into consideration things like, the length of time you are going to be outdoors, the time of year, etc. My repellent of choice is Deep Woods Off, I tend to stay out longer and sometimes hike into the evening hours, when mosquitoes are at their worst. Other considerations to keep in mind are as follows:

• Apply repellent lightly, heavy coverage does not provide you any more protection.
• Wash your hands before eating
• Do not spray the product on your face, spray it on your hands and wipe it on your face, keeping it away from your eyes and mouth.
• Check recommended usage for children. Do not let them apply it to themselves; children have a tendency to stick their hands in their mouths.
• Do not exceed the recommended usage.
• Try to keep from applying repellent to areas of broken skin or areas that have a rash.

(Footwear) - These boots are made for walking.

In most cases, there are wide varieties of situations that will dictate what types of footwear you will need on your hike. If you are just going on small nature trail that has primarily smooth or flat trails, then wear what is comfortable for you. If you plan on hiking on rough, rocky or elevated trails, you might want to consider boots.

What type of boots you purchase is totally up to you, just make sure they fit before you get out on the trail and find out the hard way. One reason I prefer boots is the uneven terrain that I have come across over the years. They give me the support and traction I need when I am coming down a hillside, or hiking on a rocky trail. If you have ever hiked in the fall, then you know that the leaves can cover some of the rocks and mud, making conditions perfect for a sprained or broken ankle.

(Rain gear) - Predict the unpredictable

Weather in Southern Indiana can change faster than you can lace you boots. It is the most helpless feeling being out in the woods when a storm pops up, especially if your miles from anywhere. One thing I have with me at all times is a poncho. They sell small ones that will fit right in your pocket. You can usually pick up a pack of two for about a dollar. Trust me; it could very well be the best investment you make in this area. Some people do not like ponchos and prefer to use an umbrella. To each their own, if you wish use an umbrella, then go right ahead. A poncho can be very uncomfortable for some people and they are very hot if you have to wear them for long periods of time. Just make sure you have something with you just in case the weather turns on you. Never underestimate Mother Nature in the Midwest, it can be sunny one minute and hell on earth the next. It does not hurt to be prepared.

(Camera) - Look at the view from up here.

A camera is something I never go hiking without, it is the one tool I have with me at all times. Besides, you are going on a hike to enjoy the natural beauty of the wilderness, aren't you?

One of my favorite times to hike is in mid April, when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the under story greenery is enjoying the sun before the canopy fills in. Second, only to spring is fall, you just cannot beat the burning colors in Brown County. Whether you enjoy the winter, spring, summer or fall, Southern Indiana provides some of the most majestic backdrops for even the amateur photographer.

(Water) - cool, crisp, refreshing.

It really does not matter how long your hike is when water is concerned. You just cannot survive without it. One thing that I have realized is, no trail is an easy walk. If your not used to hiking, you will be surprised how fast you can become dehydrated. Sometimes the stimulus in the woods can distract you. The natural beauty of things can keep your mind occupied for hours. One thing people do not realize is how far they can walk when they are not thinking about walking. That is why it is a good idea to have water handy, preferably in a refillable bottle. As soon as your mind catches up with your feet, you are going to enjoy that bottle of water as if it is the last one on earth.

(G.O.R.P) - Good old raisins and peanuts

If you are planning on going on a longer hike, you may want to consider taking some kind of snack. It does not have to be raisins and peanuts, if you like chocolate, take some with you. I recommend M&M's because they do not melt all over the place. You can also take Beef Jerky, granola bars, energy bars or dried fruit.

The sky is the limit. Just remember, it is not for lunch, these types of snacks are designed to be high in protein, carbohydrates and sugar. Their main purpose is to sustain your energy level as you are hiking. I like to call it "hiking fuel". The options are endless, you can make your own trail mixes at home, if you prefer, or you can usually pick up some ready-made treats at any grocery store. If you like dried fruits or beef jerky, then you may want to invest in a food dehydrator. I recently received one as a gift, and it is worth it weight in gold.

(Hiking Stick) - Staying grounded

Hiking sticks or hiking poles, what ever you want to call them, are one of greatest assets to have on a hike. They have proven themselves worthy many times over for me. One of the best things about them is they are plentiful. As your walking along the trail, you are sure to find a limb lying around that will serve as a nice hiking stick. Have an old broom or mop? They make great hiking sticks as well. Hiking sticks can be made from just about anything you can think of. If money is no object, you may want to pick up a real set at your local outdoors shop, which is fine as well. One advantage to store bought poles is there adjustability to any person's height; they are collapsible and are extremely lightweight. Many people use them for many different tasks on the trail, they help keep you balanced when you are crossing a stream, or crossing uneven terrain. They also reduce the muscular impact on your legs, back and feet. They help me to keep low-lying branches out of my face, and if it is an early morning, I will use it to clear the spider webs that cover the trail. I even have an attachment for my camera so I can use my hiking pole as a tripod. No matter how you use them, they are a necessary tool on any hike, should you choose to use one or two poles is totally up to you. Some people hate to use two poles, other live by it.

Well, there you have it; you are now ready to enjoy yourself on your next hiking trip. I could go on forever, but I have to get out there and enjoy nature for myself.

http://sibiketrails.fateback.com

Tim Tanguay is a local trail enthusiast, who loves the outdoors. He runs a website called Southern Indiana Trails which is devoted to educating people about wildlife Conservation.

dehydrator

Nesco All-in-One Food Dehydrator Kit, Model# FD50-WHC

Everything needed to dry fruit, vegetables, jerky and more. 500 Watts power plus patented coverage flow for even drying. No more rotating trays. U.S.A.

This is a non traditional turkey recipe for non traditional people. The subtle twist of tangerine makes this a bird to remember.

Ingredients:
10 pounds whole turkey, neck and giblets reserved
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups tangerine juice
2 1/4 cups turkey stock
3 tablespoons all−purpose flour
2 cups Sausage, Apple and Dried Cranberry Stuffing Cooking

Instructions: You want to start off by preheating the oven to 425F. Rinse the turkey, pat it dry, and season inside with salt and pepper. Pack the neck cavity loosely with the stuffing. Fold the neck skin under the body, and fasten it with a skewer. Pack the body cavity loosely with the remaining stuffing. Tie the drumsticks together (truss) with butcher's twine. Spread the turkey with 1/2 of the butter (6 tablespoons) and season it with salt and pepper. Place turkey in a shallow roasting pan; roast for 25 minutes. While that is taking place, in a saucepan, melt the remaining butter (6 tablespoons) with the oil and tangerine juice; allow mixture to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 325F. Baste the turkey with the pan juices and drape it with a piece of cheesecloth soaked in the tangerine−oil mixture.

Roast the turkey for one hour before basting the turkey with the tangerine−oil mixture and pan juices (over the cheesecloth) every 20 minutes for 2 1/2 hours more (or until juices run clear when the fleshy part of a thigh is pricked with a skewer and a meat thermometer inserted in the fleshy part of a thigh registers 180−185F. Discard the cheesecloth and the trussing string from turkey. Transfer the turkey to a heated platter, reserving the pan juices in the roasting pan; let stand for 25 minutes before carving and spooning out stuffing into a serving dish. Skim the fat from the remaining pan juices and reserve 1/4 cup.

Add 1 cup of the stock to the pan juices and deglaze the pan over high heat, scraping up the brown bits. In a saucepan, whisk the 1/4 cup of reserved fat and flour. Cook the "roux" over low heat, whisking, for 3 minutes. Add the remaining 2 cups stock and the deglazing liquid; continue to whisk. Simmer the gravy for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, then strain through a sieve. All that's left is to add chopped giblets and transfer to gravy boat and serve. Viola... One golden, tangy, and ready to serve Tangerine Glazed Turkey.

Justin Brown is the chief writer for http://baltimorecaterers.net of Maryland where you can find hundreds of free unique recipes and Baltimore's best catering service.

dehydrator

Nesco¿FD-1018P American Harvest 1000-Watt Gardenmaster Dehydrator and Jerky Maker

Cube steak gets the Italian treatment in this recipe that features beef, tomatoes and fresh zucchini.

2 pounds beef cube steak
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ( 14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 ( 15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 small zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices

Directions

Place the cube steak, flour, salt, and pepper in a large plastic bag you can reseal. Seal and shake to coat.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat; brown the cube steak. Reduce heat to low, and mix in the tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, and Italian seasoning. Cover and simmer at least 1 hour, stirring once.

Place the zucchini in the skillet, and coat with the tomato sauce. Continue to simmer uncovered 10 minutes or until zucchini is tender.

=> Beef Brisket Recipes: Oven BBQ Beef Brisket

This is a very simple recipe for barbecue beef brisket that features cola, onion soup mix and chili sauce.

2 1/2 pounds beef brisket
1 ( 12 oz.) can or bottle cola carbonated beverage
1 ( 1 oz.) package dry onion soup mix
1 ( 12 oz.) can or bottle chile sauce

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a roasting pan, place brisket fat side up. In a bowl, combine cola beverage, onion soup mix, and chile sauce. Pour chile sauce mixture over brisket.

Cover and bake for 3 to 4 hours. Uncover the brisket during the last hour of cooking.

=> Beef Jerky Recipes: Savory Beef Jerky

Save money and make your own beef jerky at home. Marinate strips of fresh beef in a spicy sauce then dehydrate to your taste.

2 pounds beef round steak, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon meat tenderizer
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Place beef strips in the bottom of a large bowl. Pour soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, pepper, meat tenderizer, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over beef. Mix well to assure all the meat is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.

Remove beef from bowl and place between two pieces of plastic wrap. Pound beef to 1/8-inch thickness.

Arrange the beef strips on the tray of a dehydrator and dry at your dehydrator's highest setting until done to your liking - at least 4 hours. Store in an airtight container or resealable bags.

Delicious Recipes for your busy lifestyle - make awesome meals! http://www.best-free-cooking-recipes.com

dehydrator