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APRICOT LEATHER

Since it isn’t sticky, this tasty, nutritious snack is perfect to take along anywhere. It’s also a great addition to lunch boxes, and an easy choice for after-school snacking.

—Patsy Faye Steenbock, Riverton, WY

Prep: 50 min. Bake: 2 hours Makes: 4 dozen pieces

1. Place apricots in a small saucepan and cover with water by 1 in. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.

2. Place apricots in a blender; add sugar. Cover and process until smooth. Add almond extract.

3. Preheat the oven to 175°. Line two 15x10x1-in. baking pans with silicone baking mats. Spoon half of the apricot mixture onto each baking mat, spreading to form a 12x8-in. rectangle; repeat with remaining fruit. Bake 2-2 ½ hours or until almost dry to the touch. Cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Transfer to a cutting board; dust both sides with confectioners’ sugar. Cut into ½x8-in. strips; roll up. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Note: If baked fruit sticks to the knife, air-dry for 15-20 minutes, then slice and roll.

1 piece: 16 cal., 0 fat (0 sat. fat), 0 chol., 0 sod., 4g carb. (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 pro.