Recipes — Freeze Dried Strawberries

5 Easy-to-Make Snacks Perfect for Last-Minute Traveling

It’s already August, which means vacation time is right around the corner. But, if you are anything like most people, chances are you have yet to start packing. While tucking away your bathing suit at the very last minute is no big deal, neglecting to throw in a couple of snacks can be all types of frustrating during a long trip. To avoid packing all the wrong things or - worse - leaving your tote bag empty and your stomach growling, we gathered around these five last minute snacks for traveling that are super easy to make, healthy and - most importantly - packed with flavor. So, consider yourself road-trip ready.

1. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

Requiring just three ingredients, this last-minute snack is the epitome of easy. But, don't let the short ingredient list fool you. Thanks to dark chocolate’s sweet taste, the travel-friendly nosh is bound to swoon your taste buds even when heat and hundreds of miles are slowly getting the better of you.
Ingredients:
3 ½ ounces of dark chocolate
½ tsp coconut oil
½ cup of freeze dried whole strawberries
Instructions:

1. Line a tray with waxed paper and set aside.
2. Add the chocolate to a heat-proof mug and place it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
3. Once the time is up, remove the mug from the microwave and using a spoon, and gently stir the slightly melted chocolate.
4. Then, place the mug in the microwave once again for another 15-20 seconds.
5. Repeat the same procedure until the chocolate is completely melted and then stir in the coconut oil.
6. Dip the whole strawberries into the chocolate and arrange them on the tray.
7. Place them in the fridge and chill for about 5-10 minutes.

2. Peanut Butter & Banana Chips Wrap

Packed with fiber and lots of flavor, bananas are one of those foods that can readily turn any snack into a gourmet treat. Take this peanut butter and banana wrap, for example. Made in less than 5 minutes, this last minute snack is perfect for anyone who needs something filling to munch on while on the road without discounting on flavor. Kudos to those who go the extra mile and add candied nuts to the mix!
Ingredients:
1 whole wheat tortilla
2 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp freeze dried banana slices
1 tbsp candied cashews (optional)
A pinch of coconut sugar
Instructions:

1. Spread the peanut butter on the tortilla evenly.
2. Top with the banana slices, candied cashews, and coconut sugar.
3. Roll up the tortilla tightly and store in an air-tight container or ziplock bag.

3. Stuffed Olives

We get it: Not everyone is a fan of sweet snacks. But, going outside the potato chip box while on the road is not an easy feat. That's why you need this healthier snack recipe in your life. At just three ingredients, this nibble takes almost zero time to prep, and is all kinds of delicious. Not to mention that it's packed with fiber, thanks to red bell peppers. That basically means that just a few bites can keep you full for a long time!
Ingredients:
½ cup green olives, pitted
2-3 tsp freeze dried red bell peppers
A pinch of salt
Instructions:

1. Fill half a cup with lukewarm water and add the red bell peppers.
2. Let them sit for a while until they are hydrated.
3. Then, transfer them to a small bowl, squeeze the excess water away and add some salt.
4. Using a fork, mash the hydrated bell peppers until you form a thick paste.
5. Stuff the pitted olives with the paste and store them in an airtight container.

4. Fruit & Nut Clusters

Somewhere between the subtly sweet taste, crunchy cashews, and fiber rich berries, this 4 ingredient snack screams “travel material.” So, if you want to spend more time on your suitcase than prepping your snack bag, this recipe is a no-brainer.
Ingredients:
½ cup cashews, unsalted and finely chopped
½ cup freeze dried Berry De-Lite blend
4 ounces of chocolate, melted
1-2 tbsp coconut flakes
1 tsp coconut sugar (optional)
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the melted chocolate and stir in the fruits, cashews, coconut flakes, and sugar. Mix well until all the ingredients are coated with chocolate.
2. Set several paper cupcake cases and spoon about 1 tbsp of the mixture in each of them.
3. Freeze for about 5-10 minutes and transfer to a ziplock bag.

5. Tomato Parmesan Crisps

While veggie chips can definitely do the trick and keep your hunger at bay, nothing hits the spot quite like a cheesy oven-baked crisp. But, this twist on the favorite snack comes with a generous serving of tomato flakes, making your munching experience all the more decadent. Who said road trip food is unhealthy and boring?
Ingredients:
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp dehydrated tomato flakes
Instructions:

1. Add ¼ cup of lukewarm water in a bowl and stir in the tomato flakes. Let them sit there for 10-15 minutes until they are hydrated.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Once the tomato flakes are hydrated, remove them from the bowl, squeeze any excess water and add them to a separate bowl along with the grated parmesan cheese. Mix the two ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly combined.
4. Spoon about 1 tbsp of the mixture onto the baking sheet and form small cheese “discs.” Make sure you leave enough room between one another to prevent them from sticking together.
5. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
6. Let them cool for a while and store them in an airtight container.

So, what's your go-to last-minute snack? We'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments down below!

 

5 Delicious Strawberry Recipes to Celebrate Spring The Right Way

Strawberry-picking season is right upon us, and to be honest, we can't wait to get a taste of the sweet-tart fruit. But, while we could literally eat an entire carton (or in our case, pouch) in one sitting, we try to keep our excitement contained and think of other, more creative ways to enjoy this bite-sized berry. Luckily, strawberries can make friends with just about any food, from balsamic vinegar to white chocolate, so we know we're in for a wild ride. If your taste buds want in on the action, these five drool-worthy strawberry recipes are the perfect way to ring in spring like a champ.

1. Spinach & Strawberry Salad

In this out-of-the-ordinary salad, freeze dried sliced or whole strawberries and spinach play starring roles. But, while their performance is outstanding, they are supported by protein-rich feta cheese, pecans, and red onion which help take the dish to a whole new level. Dress it up in a delicious balsamic vinaigrette, and you've got yourself a spring salad everyone will drool over.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups baby spinach, rinsed
1 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Half a red onion, sliced
1/2 cup pecans, crushed
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
Instructions:

1. Add the freeze dried strawberries to a bowl along with one cup of water. Set aside for 15-20 minutes. Once they are hydrated, remove them from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. In a small saucepan, pour the balsamic vinegar and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until it's reduced by half.
3. Then, transfer to a bowl and add the olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and honey. Mix until they are evenly combined. You may need to add a little water.
4. In a salad, bowl, toss the hydrated strawberries, spinach, strawberries, pecans, feta, and the vinaigrette. Mix until all ingredients are coated with the vinegar sauce.

2. Strawberry White Chocolate Mousse

As the temps are slowly rising, we can't help but trade our oven-centric treats for no-bake desserts, and this delicious mousse is no exception. Helping you get used to the new status quo around your kitchen, this recipe calls for basic ingredients and has a few steps, all of which revolve around spring's most popular fruit, strawberries.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
½ cup white chocolate, melted
1/2 cup whipping cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp water
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the freeze dried whole or sliced strawberries along with half a cup of water. Set aside for 15 minutes. Pat them dry to remove excess water.
2. Add all the ingredients into a food processor and whisk on low speed until blended. You may need to add some more water, depending on the consistency of your preference.
3. Once the mousse is soft (about 4-5 minutes later), transfer to cups and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

3. Strawberry Meringue Puffs

Fluffy, airy, and ultra-delicious. Yes, you guessed it right. We're talking about meringue. This fat-free dessert is actually the healthiest way to celebrate the onset of spring thanks to its light nature. However, pavlovas are not the only dessert known to incorporate meringue into their primary set of ingredients. This strawberry meringue recipe also embraces the airy treat, making your taste buds swoon in every bite.
Ingredients:
½ cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
1 cup powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

6 egg whites
Pinch of salt
Instructions:

1. Add the freeze dried sliced or whole strawberries in a bowl along with half cup of water. Set aside for 15-20 minutes.
2. Then, transfer to a food processor and pulse until they form a paste.
3. Preheat the oven to 250^oF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. In a bowl, add the egg whites, vanilla extract and whisk with a hand mixer.
5. Next, add the powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.
6. Lastly, stir in the strawberry paste.
7. Transfer the meringue paste into a whipped cream pump and form small piles onto the baking sheet.
8. Place the sheet in the oven and turn it off. Let the meringues sit in there for about an hour and then remove them from the oven.

4. Strawberry Butter

We can all agree that just a little bit of butter can turn any dish from "meh" to "wow." But, adding strawberries to the mix can take this popular spread to the next level. Plus, it's super easy to make. Butter + strawberries + fridge. That's all it takes to turn your morning bagel into an almost gourmet dish.
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter, softened
1/4 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp honey
Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the freeze dried whole or sliced strawberries and one-quarter of water. Set aside for 15 minutes and remove from water. Make sure you pat them with a paper towel to get rid of excess water.
2. In a large bowl, add the butter and whisk it with a hand mixer to soften it.
3. Stir in the honey, vanilla extract, and strawberries and whisk until the spread turns pink and creamy.
4. Store in the fridge just like you would with regular butter.

5. Cucumber, Lime & Strawberry Water

Flavored water is nothing new. This colorful drink is actually one of the easiest ways to keep your body hydrated, and strawberries know what it takes to make every glass even more special. Thanks to their high content in vitamin C, the bright red berries also infuse the water with much-needed nutrients, making it all the more beneficial for us. So, are you ready to adopt some healthy habits this spring?
Ingredients:
2 quarts water
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup freeze dried sliced strawberries
1 small lime, sliced
Ice cubes
Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients in a 2-quart pitcher.
2. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes, and then remove them from the pitcher.

Which of these recipes are you dying to try out? Let us know in the comment section down below!

 

5 Must-Try Dehydrated & Freeze Dried Food Snack Recipes You'll Drool Over

We've all been there: It's around mid-afternoon, and what was once a tummy rumble has evolved into full-blown hunger. At this point, you are unable to control yourself. So, you instinctively reach for anything that can tame this feeling, whether it's a calorie-packed candy bar or a sugar-laden latte. Unfortunately, going down that road is as unhealthy as it sounds.
If you are looking for a quick but nutritious alternative, dehydrated and freeze dried foods are a great place to start. These bite-sized versions of our favorite veggies and fruits contain the same amount of nutrients as the real deal, and are equally tasty and require very little prep time, which makes them the perfect candidate for when you are going down with the afternoon munchies. So, what's not to like?
So, if you are ready to shake up your old eating habits and make some healthy adjustments, these delicious freeze dried food snack recipes are worth a spot in your recipe book. Let the snacking begin!

1. Dark Chocolate Bark with Berries

Not that dark chocolate doesn't taste great as is, but a few crunchy (nutrient-dense) additions sure wouldn't hurt. This sweet treat is great for anyone with a sweet tooth that still wants to sneak some antioxidants and fiber into their body. Plus, it takes less than 15 minutes to make. So, what are you waiting for?
Ingredients:
10 ounces dark chocolate
1 1/4 cups freeze dried Berry De-lite Blend
2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Directions:

1. Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. (Tip: Opt for the low heat setting to prevent it from burning and sticking to the bottom of your pot. Patience is key during this step.)
3. Once the chocolate is smooth, remove it from the heat and stir in 1/4 of the freeze dried berry de-lite blend. Optionally, you can add the honey during this step.
4. Then, pour it onto the pan and spread it into an even layer. At this point, you decide how thick your bark is going to be.
5. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of freeze dried berries and place it into the freezer for 20-30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens.

2. Tropical Trail Mix

Touché: Trail mix and a healthy diet don't always see eye to eye. But, what happens if you replace the usual suspects (see: M&Ms, milk chocolate drops, and pretzels) with some healthier-for-you options like freeze dried fruit? You get full access to a delicious, low-cal snack, that's what happens! So, next time you whip up a batch of homemade trail mix, skip the sugary fixins, and opt for a handful of freeze dried apples, apricots, bananas, mangos, or anything your heart desires.
Ingredients:
1 cup whole almonds, preferably roasted
1 cup cashews
½ cup pepitas
¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup freeze dried Tropical De-lite Blend
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add all the ingredients and mix until they are evenly combined.
2. Store leftovers in air-tight containers.

3. Homemade Crackers with Garlic & Rosemary

Contrary to popular belief, crackers are super easy to make at home. That being said, it's unnecessary to spend a bunch of money on the store-bought versions which -let's not forget- are also packed with sodium and hard-to-pronounce preservatives. So, if you want to snack smart and watch out for your health, this recipe is a definite keeper.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup olive oil
2 tsp baking powder
1-2 tbsp dehydrated garlic (granulated)
1-2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup water
1 tsp pepper
Poppy seeds, for garnish (optional)
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
2. In a bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary).
3. Then, add the water and olive oil and mix well. If the dough is still a bit dry, add a couple of tablespoons of water.
4. Flour a surface and transfer the dough.
5. Using a rolling pin, thin it out as much as possible and cut it into round or square shapes.
6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. Place the soon-to-be crackers onto the tray and make small holes on them using a fork.
8. Optionally, sprinkle with poppy seeds.
9. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden.

4. Blueberry Energy Balls

Sure, granola bars seem like the best option to beat a midday slump, but did you know that this “healthy” snack is actually drenched in sugar? To avoid negating an hour's worth of treadmill action, energy bites do exactly what their name suggests; they refill your empty energy tank and keep you going until lunchtime rolls around. Isn't that what snacks are supposed to do, anyway?
Ingredients:
¾ cup rolled oats
¼ cup unsweetened coconut, shredded
4 tbsp chia seeds
4 tbsp nut butter (peanut & almond work the best)
4 tbsp maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil
1/3 cup freeze dried blueberries, halved
Directions:

1. In a bowl, add the nut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil and blend until they are well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (oats, chia seeds, coconut, and blueberries).
3. Pour the nut butter mixture into the second bowl and mix well.
4. Cover with a dry towel and set it aside for 30 minutes minimum.
5. Using a tablespoon, form small balls of the mixture and place them in a container.
6. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

5. Banana Strawberry S'mores

From their sweet flavor to their gooey texture, s'mores know what it takes to become a front-runner snack. However, sun-soaked days and a campfire are not the only excuses to indulge in this classic graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate combo. If you are ready to treat your taste buds to a new (healthier) s'mores version, this delicious freeze dried food snack recipe is a dream come true.
Ingredients:
6 Graham crackers, cut in half
6 ounces dark chocolate, cut into six large chunks
12 marshmallows
¼ cup freeze dried strawberries – sliced or whole
¼ cup freeze dried banana slices
Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400^oF.
2. Crack each Graham's cracker in half and use one as the top layer and one at the bottom.
3. Arrange them on a large plate and coat them with the freeze dried banana slices and strawberries.
4. Then, top with the chocolate chunks.
5. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the marshmallows on top of it.
6. Roast them for 3-5 minutes or until they turn brownish. Remember to rotate them so that they don't burn.
7. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and place them on top of the chocolate.
8. Lastly, add the second cracker on top and serve.

So, which one of these recipes you can't wait to try? Do you have any dehydrated or freeze dried food snack recipes that you'd like to share with us? Let us know in the comments section down below!