Large ornaments should be strength- ened with wire. Dough has no strength and requires support for larger orna- ments. If the dough connects in small pieces (head and neck, arms or legs), insert toothpicks or wires between parts to keep the portions from separating over time.

Make impressions on dough with a variety of instruments. Impressions hold up best with a stiffer dough. All kinds of instruments can be used to make impressions to give texture and design to ornaments.

Push dough through a garlic press or grater to make hair and other decorative effects. Cake decorating tubes with large nozzles can be used for making designs. Add extra water to soften dough to a good consistency.

Add a hanging device to the top or back of an ornament, before baking and dry- ing, if it is to be hung.

Use Christmas ornament hooks, bent wire, circles from pop-top drink cans, or paper clips. Push hanging device into dough at top center, close to the back of the piece.

Remember, the final dough shape is the shape which will be baked. If there are loose pieces or undesirable marks in the dough, they will exist in the finished product.

Precoloring dough

Before baking, raw dough can be precolored by adding drops of paste food coloring, watercolors, inks, and fabric dyes. Powdered colors should be mixed with the flour and salt before adding water.

Liquid shoe polish or leather dye can also be brushed on lightly during the first 15 minutes of baking.

Baking and Drying Dough

Dough should be baked for 2 hours at 300°F (150°C) in your oven. Then transfer to your dehydrator. Dry at the highest temperature setting for an addi- tional 4 to 12 hours until completely dry (until you become more experi- enced with drying dough-art in your NESCO® American Harvest® dehydra- tor, it is wise to place a piece of dough, the same size as the largest /thickest piece of your ornament, to use as a test piece. To test for dryness, break apart the test piece. It is done when it is com- pletely dry inside).

Remove ornaments when totally dry and cool prior to applying paint.

Painting dough

Acrylic paints are the most popular and easily applied. They are available in jars, spray cans, and tubes. They mix easily and dry quickly. If you are adding different colored layers over one another, use a coat of sealer between them to prevent them from running

or smearing.

When painting is complete, dry in your dehydrator at the highest temperature setting for 1 to 2 hours until thoroughly dry.

Sealing

It is extremely important to seal salt dough ornaments to prevent moisture from reentering and causing mold and disintegration.

There is a wide variety of final coatings which can be used, but they should be

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Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Precoloring dough
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Food Dehydrator specifications

The Nesco Food Dehydrator is a versatile kitchen appliance that enables home cooks and health enthusiasts to preserve food efficiently. With a reputation for reliability and quality, this dehydrator stands out in the market for its innovative technologies and user-friendly features.

One of the most notable features of the Nesco Food Dehydrator is its patented Converge-Flow technology. This unique drying system utilizes a top-down airflow, which ensures that hot air is evenly distributed throughout the dehydrator. This design prevents the need for rotating trays, resulting in consistent drying without the hassle of manually rearranging food items. This technology allows for higher efficiency, leading to better results in less time.

The dehydrator boasts adjustable temperature settings, allowing users to control the drying process based on the type of food being processed. Ranging from 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, these settings cater to various foods, from herbs and fruits to meats and vegetables. This flexibility makes the Nesco Food Dehydrator suitable for a variety of preservation needs.

Another characteristic of the Nesco Food Dehydrator is its capacity. With multiple trays that can often be expanded, users can customize the amount of food they wish to dehydrate at once. Many models come with five to twelve trays, providing ample space for large batches of fruits, jerky, or granola. Additionally, the trays are typically made from food-grade plastic, ensuring that they are safe for food contact and easy to clean.

The Nesco Food Dehydrator also typically includes a clear lid, allowing users to monitor the drying process without disrupting airflow. This design advantage not only enhances convenience but also contributes to energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss.

In summary, the Nesco Food Dehydrator is an excellent choice for those looking to extend the shelf life of their food while maintaining essential nutrients. Its advanced drying technology, adjustable temperature settings, ample capacity, and practical design features make it an indispensable tool in any kitchen. Whether you are preparing healthy snacks or creating homemade jerky, the Nesco Food Dehydrator guarantees a reliable and efficient drying experience.
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