Welcome to another entry in The Oven Diaries, where we explore the versatile capabilities of your Plum Chef oven. Today, we're venturing beyond traditional baking and roasting to master the Dehydrate function. We'll guide you through creating two incredibly simple yet delicious snacks: sweet and spicy Candied Bacon and healthy, crisp Dehydrated Apple Rings.

Dehydrating is a fantastic way to preserve food and concentrate its flavors, resulting in unique textures you can't achieve with other cooking methods. Your Plum Chef oven makes this process effortless. The precise low-temperature control is perfect for slowly removing moisture to create perfectly crisp bacon and chewy apple chips without burning them. This is a great way to make gourmet snacks at home, and it all starts with the push of a button.

Why You Will Love This Recipe:

• Gourmet Snacking: Transform simple ingredients into extraordinary, restaurant-style treats.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Both the candied bacon and apple rings are perfect for making ahead and storing.

• Versatile Results: Use the candied bacon as a topping for salads, in sandwiches, or simply enjoy it on its own. The apple rings are a healthy snack for kids and adults alike.

• Effortless Process: The Plum Chef oven does all the work—you just prepare the ingredients and let the dehydrate function take over.

Candied Bacon

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Dehydrate Temperature: 50°C

INGREDIENTS:

• 500g thick-cut bacon

• ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper

• ¼ cup dark brown sugar

• 2 tbsp maple syrup
  
  

  DIRECTIONS:

  1. Arrange the bacon strips evenly on the oven rack, ensuring they do not overlap.

  2. In a small bowl, mix the dark brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the bacon strips, gently rubbing it into the meat.

  3. Lightly brush the top of the bacon with maple syrup.

  4. Carefully place the oven rack into rack Position 2 in your Plum Chef oven.

  5. Select the DEHYDRATE function and set the temperature to 50°C. Set the timer for 4 hours. The bacon is ready when it is dark, crispy, and caramelized.
     
     
     
     

     Dehydrated Apple Rings

     Prep Time: 5 minutes
     Cook Time: 3 hours
     Dehydrate Temperature: 50°C

     INGREDIENTS:

     • 1-2 Granny Smith Apples
       
       
       

     DIRECTIONS:

     1. Using a paring knife or a melon baller, core the apple.

     2. Slice the apples into ¼-inch thick rounds.

     3. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on the oven rack.

     4. Place the oven rack into rack Position 2.

     5. Set your Plum Chef oven to the DEHYDRATE function at 50°C for 3 hours. The apples will be dry and leathery when finished. For crispier chips, you can leave them in a bit longer, checking periodically.
        
        

        Pro Tip: You can dehydrate both the bacon and apples at the same time! Since they require different times, you can remove the apple rings after 3 hours and let the bacon continue for the full 4 hours.

        Unlock the full potential of your kitchen with the Plum Chef oven. Its innovative Dehydrate function opens up a world of possibilities for creating healthy and indulgent snacks right on your countertop.