Fruit Leather

1. Preheat oven to 170°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with plastic wrap. Tape down edges of plastic wrap at the corners. Pour applesauce into the prepared baking pan, spreading into an even 1/4-inch-thick layer.

2. Bake for 12 to 13 hours or until fruit leather is dry (surface may be slightly sticky), rotating pan occasionally. (For a dehydrator, lightly oil a leather dehydrator sheet. Pour applesauce onto the prepared leather sheet, spreading into an even 1/4-inch-thick layer. Dehydrate at 135°F for 12 to 13 hours or until fruit leather is dry [surface may be slightly sticky]. If necessary, turn fruit leather over for the last 1 hour of dehydrating to allow bottom to dry.)

3. Using the edges of the plastic wrap, lift fruit leather out of pan; cool completely. Roll fruit leather into a spiral; wrap in the plastic wrap. (For the dehydrator, peel fruit leather from leather sheet. Roll into a spiral; wrap in plastic wrap.) Store at room temperature for up to 1 month, chill for up to 3 months, or freeze for up to 1 year. Before serving, cut into 24 pieces.

Cranberry Applesauce Leather:

Prepare as directed, except substitute 1/4 cup pureed fresh cranberries for 1/4 cup of the applesauce.
Per Serving: Same as above, except 32 calories, 8 g carb., 7 g total sugar, 2% Vitamin C.

Strawberry Applesauce Leather:

Prepare as directed, except substitute 1/2 cup pureed fresh strawberries for 1/2 cup of the applesauce.
Per Serving: Same as above, except 30 calories, 8 g carb. 6 g total sugar, 7% Vitamin C.

Cherry Applesauce Leather:

Prepare as directed, except substitute 1/2 cup pureed fresh sweet cherries for 1/2 cup of the applesauce (after pureeing the cherries, combine them with the applesauce immediately to prevent browning).
Per Serving: Same as above, except 32 calories, 8 g carb. 7 g total sugar, 2% Vitamin C.

Strawberry-Blueberry Applesauce Leather:

Prepare as directed, except substitute 1/4 cup pureed fresh strawberries and 1/4 cup pureed fresh blueberries for 1/2 cup of the applesauce. Allow 1 hour additional drying time.
Per Serving: Same as above, except 31 calories, 8 g carb. 6 g total sugar, 5% Vitamin C.

Spicy Applesauce Leather:

Prepare as directed, except stir 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, curry powder, or ground ginger into the applesauce.
Per Serving: Same as above, except 36 calories, 2% Vitamin C, 1% iron.

Almond Applesauce Leather:

Prepare as directed, except stir 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or lemon extract into the applesauce.
Per Serving: Same as above.