Dehydrated

I've been pretty busy the last few days.

Some referred to it as "Martha Stewart on crack",

but it doesn't matter, because I'm getting crap done.

I picked up some apricots at the local Farmer's Market last weekend

and thought I could dehydrate them in the dehydrator 

I picked up at a yard sale

(brand new still in the box).

I have a big hike coming up in a couple of months and 

I'm hoping to make all my own meals with the new toy.

So I cut up the apricots.

Tossed them with some fruit saver to prevent them from discoloring

and popped them in the dehydrator.

One quart did 2 trays.

They turned out okay.

I've also tried zucchini chips (not a fan)

and banana chips (the husband says they're okay too).

Beef jerky is on the list to try!

In the meantime, 

I'm canning beets, pickles, beans and baking bread while battling squash bugs

and rearranging and organizing the apartment. 

I need a vacation!

Buh Bye, Fruit Fly

If you have produce in your house, chances are you've had fruit flies at one point or another too.

They like ripe fruit.

They love fruit (and veggies) that are beyond their "ripe" point.

I recently had a problem with them because of a couple of bad peaches

in a bunch I purchased from the orchard.

Luckily, that same day, a blog I follow posted the cure for fruit flies.

(Find original post here)

So here's what you do:

Get a jar, cup, whatever.

I used a red solo cup at home

but I think using a 4oz quilted canning jar is nicer.

Put a squirt of dishwashing liquid in the jar.

Add about 2 TBSP of Apple Cider Vinegar to the jar.

Stir carefully 

(don't splash it up the sides, just mix it a bit)

Use a piece of plastic wrap to put over the top.

Hold it in place with a rubber band

or use the canning ring like I did here

(the canning ring works great!)

Use a pen to poke some small holes in the top.

I poked about 5 in there.

Set it somewhere where the flies can get to it.

I set my on the kitchen windowsill.

In just a few hours,

I got about 40 of those buggers.

(those small blackish specks in the bottom of the jar).

It really works!