Prunes can be a good snack to add to your meal.Prunes can take some time to make at home.You can use either an oven or a dehydrator.Prunes need to be stored properly from there.Prunes can be used in a variety of dishes to add additional flavor.
Step 1: Remove the pits from your plums.
The plums should be sliced in half around the pit.Pull the halves apart and discard the pit.Make sure the knife you use is small enough to handle.It's not appropriate for a large knife to cut plums.
Step 2: Place the plums in the oven.
Prunes can't be made in the oven with a baking pan.The plums will leak juices during the drying process.Plums will stick to this surface if they are on a baking pan.Use an oven rack.The plums should be placed evenly on the oven rack.The dehydration process may be affected if the plums are touching.Set something down to catch the drippings as the process can make a mess on the bottom of the oven.Some people are able to lay a single sheet of foil on the bottom of the oven.The foil doesn't work for gas ovens.You could put a foil lined baking tray under the plums.
Step 3: The plums should be set in the oven.
The oven should be set as low as possible.The temperature for most ovens is 200 degrees.If your oven is different, set it to the lowest possible temperature.Place the oven rack slowly.You don't want to hurt the plums.
Step 4: The plums should be checked every few hours.
If you flip the plums every few hours they will dry out evenly.The dehydration process needs to be checked on.You want your prunes to be juicy and soft, but also dry to the point of having a wrinkled, dark appearance.This is dependent on personal preference.Some people prefer them juicier than others.Don't remove the prunes until you want them to be.
Step 5: Put your prunes in a container for 8 hours.
It's important to keep an eye on the prunes at this point.Some prunes need a little more time to be ready.The prunes are likely to be ready at different rates.As needed, remove them.
Step 6: Remove the pits from your plums.
The stem should be removed.Cut the plum in half with a knife.Pull the plums apart.The pit should be removed and discarded.You can use another knife if you don't have a pair.Don't use a large knife.You want to make sure you maintain control of your knife as you cut around the pit.
Step 7: The plums should be on the tray.
Pushing the plums close together will eliminate the need for two batches.Make sure the plums are not touching each other.The plums can dry properly if this is important for air circulation.
Step 8: The tray can be placed in the dehydrator.
When working with a conventional dehydrator, you should dehydrate your food at 115 F.If you have an excalibur dehydrator, start at 145 degrees.Before putting plums in the oven, make sure the dehydrator is at the right temperature.The tray should be placed slowly in the dehydrator.
Step 9: The plums are checked every 4 to 6 hours.
You want to finish the dehydration process by turning the plums.If the plums are ready to turn, check every 4 to 6 hours.The upside should be very dry when plums are ready to turn.The plums should leave the tray.If the upside of the plum is still moist, leave it for a while before turning it.
Step 10: You have to check every 2 hours.
At different rates, the plums will turn into prunes.Some plums are completely dry when you notice it.They should be removed from the dehydrator.The plums are getting close to being done, so start checking them after this.
Step 11: The plums should be left for 14 hours.
Plums will take 14 hours to fullyDehydration.Depending on the quality of the plums, they may take longer or shorter.During the dehydrating process, it's important to check your plums frequently.You will have black, wrinkled, raisin-like prunes when you're fully dehydrated.
Step 12: Prunes need to be stored correctly.
Prunes should be placed in a container.A heavy duty plastic bag is also appropriate.Prunes can be stored in a dark area.Prunes can be kept in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer.
Step 13: Prunes need to be discarded after they spoil.
Depending on where you store them, the shelf life of prunes varies.It is important to know the shelf life of your fruit.The dried prunes can be found in the pantry and fridge.The shelf life of dried fruit can be extended by using the freezer.Prunes can last up to 18 months in the freezer.
Step 14: Prunes can be used in a stuffing.
If it's around Thanksgiving, dried prunes can be added to any stuffing.When preparing the stuffing, make sure to include the prunes as well.Remove the mixture from the heat after a few minutes.Prunes can be used to add a sweet flavor to a stuffing.
Step 15: You can serve stuffed prunes as an hors d'oeuvre.
Prunes can be stuffed with cheese for a snack.You fill the prunes with cheese by cutting them through the center.For an elegant dinner party, stuffed prunes would be a great snack.
Step 16: A pot roast with some fruits.
Prunes compliment beef well.About halfway through the cooking process, you would add the prunes.Refer to your specific recipe to make sure the roast you're making is safe.