How to Make Dried Apple Wreaths
The fragrance of apple and cinnamon would be pleasant addition in any room of your home during autumn and through the holiday season. A homemade decorative apple wreath is a wonderful way to bring this homey scent into your home. Apple wreaths are made from dried apple slices dipped in spices that remind you of an apple pie. Apple slices can be dried in a dehydrator according to manufacturer instructions or oven baked after soaking in a mixture of fresh lemon juice and salt.
Cut each lemon in half. Squeeze the lemon juice into a large mixing bowl. Mix in the salt and stir to dissolve.
- The fragrance of apple and cinnamon would be pleasant addition in any room of your home during autumn and through the holiday season.
- Apple slices can be dried in a dehydrator according to manufacturer instructions or oven baked after soaking in a mixture of fresh lemon juice and salt.
Choose firm apples that have no visible signs of bruising or damage. Either leave the peel intact, or peel and core the apples. Cut the fruit in 1/4-inch thick slices horizontally. Each slice will be a circle of apple with a hole in the center.
Place apple slices into the salted lemon juice. Immerse the slices completely and let them soak for 10 minutes. Use a fork to gently turn the slices over to make sure that the juice soaks into both sides.
- Choose firm apples that have no visible signs of bruising or damage.
- Either leave the peel intact, or peel and core the apples.
Remove each apple slice to a tray that is lined with paper towels. Pat the tops of the apple wreath slices dry. Remove all of the moisture.
Mix spices thoroughly on a flat plate or tray. Dip each apple slice into the spice mixture to coat both sides.
Place apple slices onto an ungreased baking pan in a single layer. Be sure the edges are at least 1/2 inch away from another apple slice. Bake at 150 to 200 degrees for six hours until completely dry. The slices should be pliable enough to allow you to bend them.
- Remove each apple slice to a tray that is lined with paper towels.
- Place apple slices onto an ungreased baking pan in a single layer.
Fold an apple slice in half and then into quarters. Pierce the center of the folded piece on the end of the wreath form and thread it onto the wire. Continue adding apple quarters until the wreath is full. Close the wreath form ends to secure it. Tie or wire a decorative ribbon or raffia bow to the wreath.
Tip
For Step 6, you can choose to microwave the slices instead; do so on a low-to-medium setting for four to six minutes. Use a microwave-safe container to dry the apple slices on. Check to be sure they are dry after they cool. Return to the microwave to dry further if needed. They must have a pliable consistency when done.
The wire wreath may have hooked ends that interlock to close the form. Use a pair of pliers to bend one into a straight line which you can use to pierce the apple slices. Re-shape it when the wire is filled with slices.
Warning
Be sure that the apples slices are thoroughly dry or remaining moisture will cause mold to grow.
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Tips
- For Step 6, you can choose to microwave the slices instead; do so on a low-to-medium setting for four to six minutes. Use a microwave-safe container to dry the apple slices on. Check to be sure they are dry after they cool. Return to the microwave to dry further if needed. They must have a pliable consistency when done.
- The wire wreath may have hooked ends that interlock to close the form. Use a pair of pliers to bend one into a straight line which you can use to pierce the apple slices. Re-shape it when the wire is filled with slices.
Warnings
- Be sure that the apples slices are thoroughly dry or remaining moisture will cause mold to grow.
Writer Bio
Suzie Faloon is a freelance writer who has written online content for various websites. As a professional crafter and floral designer, Faloon owned a florist business for nearly 25 years. She completed the Institute of Children's Literature course in 1988.
