dehydrate? invest in a mandolin

[firefly]

I never dehydrate a full batch of anything because I'd get tired of slicing everything so small and neat after two pounds or so. My new mandolin can slice a whole carrot in 15 seconds, and it does it the perfect width. a bit thin for the widest setting, to be honest, but effortless. Just make sure to use something to protect your fingers as you get close to the blade. I got too excited and took a perfect circle off my thumb the first time I used it. Mandolin also means I can make mashed potatoes in <30 minutes. I haven't done a full batch yet, but I'll be sure to spoil you all with pictures when I do.

[spazzy]

I agree, I go to the farmer's auctions here and usually fill my Silverado for under 100$ with everything from apples to zucchini. What I don't can, I dehydrate.

[freebirde]

If you can find an old all metal Mouli slicer/grater at a yard sale, etc., grab it. Think of it as a hand powered grand parent to food processors. The slicer blade is not as fast as a mandolin, but it is a lot safer, good when you have children helping.

[firefly]

Yeah, I forgot to stress the safety factor. The one I have has a finger guard, but I just didn't use it, and now I have a scar and a flat spot on my thumb to show for it. If you have children helping, it isn't the best for sure. I'll have to keep my eyes open for that grater -- I use the so-called 'matchstick carrots' alot, and it bothers me that I have to buy them pre-made. not to mention, no homemade hash browns for me.

[oldtimer]

I will necromance this thread since we have always done a fair amount of canning and just last year got into dehydrating.

For SHTF you should have a good hand slicer (with guard), but for normal use just buy a power one. www.amazon.com/Fullstar-Mandoline-Slicer-Spiralizer-Vegetable/dp/B07QKHTM11/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=electric+mandoline+slicer&qid=1580839225&sr=8-13

That's not the one I have just the first one I saw on Amazon. You can also use your food processor if you have the right blades. If you have a kitchen-aid mixer there are attachments for it that will do the job also. Avoid this one www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/attachments/p.fresh-prep-slicer-shredder-attachment.ksmvsa.html It's a poor design and the company should be embarrassed to have marketed it with their name on it.

I feel the same about grinders. Have a good power one for now and a hand one tucked away for when needed. Live the easy life while it's available.