oatmeal raisin cookies are a delicious natural snack that can be eaten on their own or added to a variety of recipes.They are also easy to make.You can make your own raisins by simply drying grapes in the sun, in an oven, or in a dehydrator.
Step 1: If you want to wash your grapes, remove the larger stems.
You don't need to remove all the grapes from the stems, but you should cut off the larger stems.The grapes should be washed under running water.It is possible to use an all-natural produce wash to wash your grapes.
Step 2: If you want to cover the grapes, spread them evenly on a tray.
Air can circulate around the fruit if the tray is slatted.Spread the grapes so that they don't touch each other.To cover the grapes, use a kitchen towel.If you don't want to use a kitchen towel, you can cover your grapes with a pillowcase.Your cover should be able to keep insects out of your grapes.Make sure the grapes don't get blown away by the wind.If your cover is light, you may need to weigh it down.
Step 3: During warm, dry weather, place the tray in the sun.
The tray will get a lot of sunlight during the day.If you put them out during warm, dry weather, they will dry out quicker.The grapes will take longer to dry out if you put your tray out in overcast, cool, or humid weather.When the forecast is sunny, humidity is not too high, and the temperature is at least 75 F, put your tray outside.If your area gets foggy at night, place the tray inside at the end of the day and put it outside the next morning.
Step 4: The grapes should be allowed to sit outside for 3-4 days.
Depending on the weather and how hydrated the grapes were, they may take up to 96 hours to become sufficiently dry.They should be left outside for 3 days.Make sure both sides of the grapes are exposed to the sun by rotating them twice a day.If the grapes are dry after 3 days, you can conduct a taste test on them.If you like them, bring them inside.Leave them out for another day if they aren't quite dry.It is possible to leave grapes out in the sun for up to 5 days.
Step 5: Store the dried raisins in a container.
Once the grapes have dried to the point of being raisins, take the tray inside and put the raisins in a container.The container should be kept in a cool place.Storage containers for air-dried raisins include mylar bags, tupperware, and glass canning jars with an oxygen absorber.
Step 6: You need to preheat your oven to 215 F.
Allow the oven to preheat for 15 minutes after you set the temperature.The quality of your grapes will be affected if you put them in the oven before it preheats.The temperature will allow you to bake grapes for 4 hours.You can bake your grapes for 36 hours if you set your oven to 150 F.Reducing your risk of over cooking or over drying your grapes is one of the benefits of making raisins more slowly.
Step 7: The grapes should be washed and the stems removed.
You can wash your grapes by running them under water.Use scissors or your fingers to remove the stems from the grapes.Throw out any spoiled grapes.It is possible to wash your grapes with all-natural produce wash.
Step 8: Spread the grapes on the baking sheets.
To lightly grease 2 rimmed baking sheets, use a small amount of vegetable or canola oil.Put your grapes on the sheets.The grapes should not be touched as much as possible.If you don't want the grapes to be on oil, you can use parchment paper.If the grapes are touching each other, your raisins won't be ruined if you spread them out on the trays.
Step 9: You can bake your grapes in the oven for 4 hours.
You want your raisins to be mostly dried.It's a good idea to check in several times during the baking process.If the grapes are sufficiently dried before then, you can remove them after less than 4 hours.Depending on how dry you like your raisins, how long your grapes should cook for will vary.Smaller grapes will take longer to dry out.
Step 10: Allow the raisins to cool before removing them from the oven.
Once the raisins are dried, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes.Use a thin metal spatula to get the raisins out of the baking sheet.
Step 11: You can keep your raisins in a sealed container.
Transfer the raisins to a sealable container once they are completely cooled.You can keep the raisins fresh by putting the container in the refrigerator.You should keep your raisins in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Step 12: If you have to, wash your grapes and remove the seeds.
Before you place your grapes in the dehydrator, you should use cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.Cut the grapes in half and remove the seeds before you start.There is no need to open your grapes if they are seedless.You can use an all-natural produce wash to wash your grapes.
Step 13: The grapes should be spread on the trays.
If they are touching each other, it will be fine if you spread the grapes evenly.The drying process will be negatively impacted by overloading the dehydrator with too many grapes.Follow the instructions for use with your dehydrator to make sure you don't overload it.
Step 14: The temperature on the dehydrator should be 135 F.
Most of the time, this temperature is used to dehydrate grapes.You can use this setting if your dehydrator has a fruit setting.When dehydrating grapes, your machine may have a recommended temperature.Set your dehydrator to this temperature.If it does not include a recommended temperature, set it to 135 F.
Step 15: For at least 24 hours, allow your grapes to be dehydrate.
Most grapes need at least 24 hours to fully dry.If your grapes dry to your liking in less than 24 hours, you can take them out of the dehydrator.It will take less than 24 hours for your grapes to become raisins.If your grapes are small, make sure you don't overcook them.Don't dehydrating your grapes for more than 48 hours.
Step 16: Store the grapes after they are removed from the dehydrator.
Remove the grapes from the dehydrator and allow them to cool completely.Put them in a plastic bag or glass jar and store.Raisins made this way can be stored in a dry place for several months.