Make Your Own Fruit Rolls.

Many parents buy Fruit Roll-Ups for their children, thinking they are healthy snacks. After all, if the word "fruit" is in the title, then it must be a good choice, right?

Take a look at the ingredients list in a Strawberry Fruit Roll-Up:

Pears From Concentrate, Corn Syrup, Dried Corn Syrup, Sugar, Partially Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Acetylated Mono And Diglycerides, Pectin, Malic Acid, Natural Flavor, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Color (Red 40, Yellows 5 & 6, Blue 1).

So, where exactly are the strawberries? Although this roll-up does contain some fruit (pears), it's mostly made of chemicals, dyes, and preservatives. Yummy.

You can find fruit leather that is 100% fruit with no chemicals added, but those brands are usually pricey. When you spend as much as $.65 for one stick, it adds up. 

This past week I pulled out my Nesco Food Dehydrator and made my own fruit rolls. I decided to start with a simple recipe, which calls for only two ingredients - applesauce and cinnamon.

Our whole family LOVED them! I've already made two batches, and my daughters want me to make more this week. If you own a dehydrator, you have to make this recipe. I couldn't believe how simple it was. Don't have a dehydrator? Borrow one from a friend, or buy one. Believe me, it's worth the few minutes it takes to make these Apple Fruit Rolls. Your stomach will thank you later!

After dehydrating and before cutting into strips.

The finished product!

Apple Fruit Rolls

4 cups unsweetened applesauce
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix applesauce and cinnamon in a large bowl, and set aside. Place two fruit roll sheets on two dehydrator trays. Rub a little olive oil on trays to prevent sticking.

Pour 2 cups applesauce mixture onto first tray, and spread to about 1/4" thickness. Repeat with second tray. Dry at 135 degrees 6-8 hours or until fruit has the consistency of leather. Use a small spatula or knife to remove fruit from trays while it is still warm. Cut into strips, roll, and enjoy!