NATURAL FRUIT ROLL UPS

Natural fruit roll-ups

Serves 10

This is a favorite for many kids and this version differs from the version in grocery stores loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients. It’s still sugary from the fruits, but it’s still moderately healthy.

Similarly to the beef jerky, this recipe is not complicated even if it takes quite a bit of time before enjoying the end result.

This is bound to become a favorite for many kids and is simple to add to lunch boxes.

Ingredients

1. 4 cups of your favorite fresh fruits (apples, pears, peaches and berries are good choice), pitted or cored, peeled if applicable and coarsely chopped;
2. 2 cups water;
3. 2 tsp lemon juice or to taste;
4. 1 tsp cinnamon;

Preparation

1. Place the chopped fruits in a saucepan along with the water; bring to a simmer and simmer, covered, for about 12 minutes.
2. Uncover, stir the mixture and mash it with a potato masher.
3. Add the lemon juice and cinnamon and combine well.
4. Simmer, uncovered, for about another 10 minutes, until the mixture is thick.
5. Place the mixture in a blender or food processor and process until very smooth. Taste and adjust the amount of lemon juice or cinnamon if necessary.
6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the fruit mixture evenly on the paper. It should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
7. Place in a 140 F oven to slowly dry out overnight. It’s ready when the fruit mixture is not longer sticky.
8. Cut the preparation into equal size fruit roll-ups, roll them into parchment paper and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.