Cooking with Kids: Apple Chips

It's that time of year...when we've finally hit our holiday treat limit and vow to not make any more cookies/cakes/pies/etc. But after a month of helping decorate cookies and other treats, my little ones still want to play in the kitchen! These super-simple, healthy apple chips were a great solution.

There are lots of recipes online, but you only ever need one tool: a kitchen mandoline. It's crucial for getting the apples thin enough to dehydrate, but once you have one in your kitchen you'll find yourself using it for all sorts of things! 

Slice your apples (any kind you usually buy) on the thinnest setting, using slow, even strokes. Make sure to use the included hand guard once you get close to the end! In my house, I handle the cutting, and have my girls space out the apples evenly on a baking sheet with parchment paper:

Then I have them sprinkle the apples with ground cinnamon (not cinnamon sugar - the apples are sweet enough!):

Then the apples go in the oven for at least two hours, at 225 degrees. You'll know they're done when they feel dry to the touch (even though they'll still be soft - they crisp as they cool).

Once they're done, I flip them over and let them cool for about an hour. This is when they get crispy and delicious! Usually we just eat them plain, but sometimes we dip them in peanut butter...or caramel, for a treat :). Enjoy!