Recipe: Blueberry Fruit Leather (using honey, food processor)

BLUEBERRY FRUIT LEATHER

4 cups fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh strawberries
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon almond extract

Place blueberries and strawberries in blender or food processor and process until smooth. Pour mixture through a strainer to remove skin and seeds. Stir in honey and almond extract.

Place mixture in a large skillet (10-inch is best). While stirring frequently, cook over very low heat for 1 hour until thickened.

Preheat oven to 150 degrees F. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining with parchment paper (paper is best but foil can be substituted).

Pour thickened mixture onto parchment paper and spread to form an 8x12-inch rectangle.

Bake for 5 1/2 to 6 hours* until the fruit sheet is dry enough not to stick to your fingers but moist enough to roll. Remove from oven and cool.

Once cool, leather should be stored in an airtight container or rolled in plastic wrap to keep.

*Placing a potholder in the oven door to keep it ajar will help dry the leather by allowing moisture to escape.

Makes 6 (3x4-inch) squares
Source: Michigan Blueberry Growers' Association