How to Make Homemade Dried Fruit Gifts
Dried fruit makes delicious and healthy gifts. If a friend is health-conscious but also has a sweet tooth, treat her to a gift of decadent handmade chocolate covered fruit. Dry the fruit yourself to save money or buy the pieces pre-dried if you're short on time. Consider the recipient's favorite type of chocolate, such as white, milk or dark, when creating the present. Also, note any preferred fruit or food allergies she has before choosing the produce.
Things You'll Need
- Food dehydrator (optional)
- White, milk or dark chocolate chips
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
- Solid shortening
- Waxed or parchment paper
- Decorative toppings, such as candy sprinkles or coconut flakes
- Paper baking cups
- Gift box or tin
Instructions
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1
Choose pre-dried fruit or fruit you would like to dry yourself. Pick from bananas, strawberries, blueberries, apricots, kiwi, papaya, mango or oranges, or include a sampling of each.
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2
Wash or peel and cut the fresh fruit into thin slices. Place the fruit into a food dehydrator and dry them according the machine's instructions.
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3
Place white, milk or dark chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. The amount you need will vary according to how much dried fruit you have. Microwave the bowl of chips in 30-second intervals until it is melted and has a smooth consistency. Stir the chips at the end of each interval so they heat evenly.
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4
Add 1 tbsp. of solid shortening to the melted chocolate and stir the mixture thoroughly. Dip half of each piece of fruit into the chocolate and set the pieces on waxed or parchment paper. Sprinkle the chocolate with tiny colorful candies, toasted coconut flakes or crushed nuts if you desire.
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5
Place the dried fruit in a refrigerator until the chocolate sets. Set each chocolate covered fruit piece in a paper baking cup. Arrange the cups in a decorative box or tin and present the gift within 24 hours to ensure the best taste.
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References
- Photo Credit dried mixed fruits image by pdtnc from Fotolia.com
