Fruity Roll-Ups

These homemade Fruity Roll-Ups are similar to the fruit flavored roll-ups that you see in grocery stores, only without the corn syrup, refined sugar, hydrogenated oils, sodium, artificial coloring and preservatives that you find in many brands. This recipe is for apple flavored roll-ups, but includes a variation for strawberry flavored roll-ups. A dehydrator or oven can be used to make this tasty treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• Kelapo Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Cooking Spray* or other gluten-free brand

Directions:

1. Spray a fruit roll-up tray with the cooking spray, then spread the applesauce onto the tray as evenly as possible for a 1/4-inch thickness. If baking the roll-ups in an oven, forget the cooking spray and spread the applesauce on a non-stick silicone baking mat.
2. Dry in a dehydrator at 135˚F for 6 to 9 hours, or bake in a 170˚F oven, also for 6 to 9 hours. Occasionally check the roll-up after 4 hours. When the top is very firm and the edges are easy to lift, carefully peel and flip to continue drying or baking until done. Baking or dehydrating times will vary depending on the exact thickness of your roll-ups and differing oven or dehydrator temperatures, but you’ll know it’s done when evenly translucent with no visible moist spots and still flexible.
3. While warm, quickly place on a large sheet of wax paper and cut, along with the wax paper, into 2-inch wide strips. Some dehydrators use a circular fruit roll-up trays with a hole in the center, which can make this step a little challenging. Just make some strips shorter, if that’s how it has to be. Roll, with the wax paper attached, tie with a string or thin ribbon, and store in a large jar. Pull one from the jar whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet snack, or give a bunch to your friends.

Variations:

1. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the applesauce before dehydrating for Apple Cinnamon Fruity Roll-Ups.
2. Blend in a high powered blender, 2 cups strawberries and 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce, for 1 minute or until fairly smooth. Use this mixture instead of just applesauce for Strawberry Apple Fruity Roll-Ups, or experiment with other puréed berries and fruits for a creation of your own.
3. Use this recipe to make Fruit-Filled Roll-Ups. Just be sure not to cut the the whole roll-up in strips. Instead, cut it in half, then cut each half in half, for four equal pieces. Place on each piece some sliced pear, apple, and banana and roll it up. Top with some vegan Vanilla Cream and Chocolate Sauce to make it even more delectable.

Yield:
Makes about 5 long strips or 4 equal size pieces

*Instead of cooking spray, parchment paper can be used to line a drying tray. If using an oven to make the Fruity Roll-Ups, the applesauce or fruit blend can be spread on a Silpat or other non-stick silicone baking mat without the need of cooking spray or parchment paper.