Tell us how you did it. I have had the Trader Joes version a few times and they were very good. I need to find some more things to do with my fruits, there is only so much jam to make and only so much freezer space.

Scott

Oatmeal cookies made with dried cherries are the best thing on the planet!!! No recipe required, just add a handful to whatever style you like to make.

I've also made baklava with dried cherries in the past and it was pretty good.

I followed what was in the Blue Ball Book, sort of. I make jerky in my oven and know where the temperatures I used are. I think they must be using a dehydrator because they drop down to 135°.

Spread pitted cherries on a sheet 1 layer thick, bake at about 175° for a few hours, turn down to 150° until leathery.

Between jerky, cherries and grapes I may consider buying a dehydrator.

Thanks. I've been looking at dehydrators for several years but never pulled the trigger on it -- too many under-used gadgets so I make myself beg for something for a long time now. I think I've begged long enough already. The Nesco units are supposed to be the best.

Scott

FWIW -- I bought the 10 shelf unit from Sausagemaker's in Buffalo, NY in 2006. Best dehydrator I ever had, but a bit pricey. All stainless steel and very heavy, solid construction, fully adjustable temp from very low to very hot.

Only drawback is the price -- ouch. I think I paid around $250 total with shipping in 2006, I see it's gone up a lot, they want $369 now. But, it's an investment. If the working parts go, you can get replacements, unlike with some dehydrators.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sausagemaker dehydrators.

I have 2 of the Nesco units. One is about 8 years old and still sees lots of use for dehydrating meals for backpacking. I have several extra trays, mesh inserts, and fruit roll-up trays, and I've been very happy with all of it.

Dried sour cherries are amazing in salads!

This is a good idea. I have the same problem of what to do with all the cherries. You can only make so many pies. But it begs the question of how you store the dried cherries? Do they keep just like raisins (practically forever) in a box or bag? Or is this just because of all the perservatives? Or do they just keep for a few days?

"You can only make so many pies."
About 52 if you're me and mainly eating them to yourself, but some of those have to be apple and I do share so a little less cherry, a little more pie :)

In a baggie in the fridge they keep a very long time. Vacuum packed they keep a very long time.
I can't remember where I was or what I searched that had the storage times.