Homemade Fruit Leathers

Fruit leathers are good stuff, no? I'm a big fan. I'm not a big fan of the cost though. On average they cost about 50 cents each, or even more for organic ones. While this isn't expensive per say, it is certainly a cost that adds up quickly since they rarely go on sale. I was thrilled when I stumbled upon this recipe for homemade fruit leathers in Food Network Magazine. I was shocked at how easy they were to make too. Two ingredients, a few steps, and 45 minutes later you have a healthy snack. Best of all they resemble fruit roll ups so you can easily trick your kids into eating a healthier fruit snack.

I doubled the recipe and it resulted in 8 fruit leathers. You can make them thinner or thicker, depending on your choices. I made them a bit thick because we like them chewy but that is up to you. The taste was spot on, the texture was excellent (although much softer than traditional fruit leathers- more like a fruit snack texture), and I am thrilled to have this new recipe in my arsenal. Give them a shot- you won't be disappointed.

Source: Adapted from Food Network Magazine

Ingredients:
1/3 cup no-sugar added fruit preserve
1 tsp. cornstarch

Directions:
1- Preheat the oven to 225.
2- Cut parchment paper into 2 inch by 9 inch strips. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray. Lay on a cookie sheet.
3- In a small bowl stir together the fruit preserve and the cornstarch. Spread evenly on the parchment paper strips.
4-Bake for 45 minutes.
5- Allow to cool completely. Once cooled, roll up the fruit leather. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in an air-proof container.