(available at the drugstore)

transparent and non penetrating so that the surface of your dough-art is strengthened with a hard protective coating. The best choice is a polyure- thane varnish.

Be sure to remove your ornaments from your dehydrator and place in a well ventilated area (preferably out-of-doors) before applying varnish. Carefully place objects (on aluminum foil making sure that no foil covers the center hole or outer ring vents) in dehydrator to dry. CAUTION: Make sure your dehydrator is placed in a room with adequate venti- lation or an open window.

Place your ornaments in your dehydra- tor. Set at the highest temperature setting to speed drying. Most varnishes will dry in an hour or so in your dehydrator.

Repeat the varnishing process until a minimum of 4 complete coats (both sides of object) have been applied, allowing ornament to dry thoroughly between coats. Again, it is handy to use your dehydrator for this process to speed the drying time.

Bread and Glue

Ornaments

This recipe is a no-bake mixture that is particularly adaptable to making small delicate forms.

It is made with slices of white bread and glue, resulting in a pliable mixture that can be rolled very thin and formed into fragile ornaments.

3 slices white bread

3 tbl. white glue

1 tsp. white shoe polish or acrylic paint

1 tsp. glycerin

The shoe polish or acrylic paint add whiteness to the dough. Glycerin softens the dough to prevent it from cracking and bubbling.

Remove crusts from bread and tear into small pieces. Mix all ingredients togeth- er and knead until mixture no longer sticks to your fingers and has a smooth texture. Kneading usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A few drops of glyc- erin on your fingers keeps the dough from sticking as you knead it.

Keep in a plastic bag while not working with the dough to prevent it from dry- ing out. Remove small bits of the dough at a time, leaving remainder of dough in the plastic bag. If the dough tends to dry out, add a little more glue and reknead.

Roll thin layers of dough between layers of waxed paper. This dough is easier to handle than salt dough and can be used for more intricate objects.

Dough can be colored by using liquid or paste food colors, watercolors, or liq- uid temperas. Do not mix in acrylics because they dry too fast. Acrylics can be used to paint the dried objects. Pieces of the dough can be colored differently, simply by kneading in the color to each different piece of dough. Knead until dough is evenly colored throughout.

Shape dough on pieces of aluminum foil and follow directions for shaping salt dough.

Dry shaped dough in the dehydrator at the highest temperature setting. This recipe does not need to be baked in the oven. If air dried, objects may take from

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Nesco Food Dehydrator manual Bread and Glue Ornaments

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.