If you've been here a while, you know I love basil. If you are new (hello!), I love basil so much I named our dachshund Basil. Fresh basil is my favorite thing to have in a vase in the kitchen, growing in my garden, as a lingering scent on my hands.
Yep, even though it's already winter out there, in my kitchen I'm still acting like it's summer. Strawberries and fresh basil. Always a perfect pairing in my opinion, and this is one I have been wanting to do for a while.
Bird's eye shot of my Vita Mix. See, told you she's an Old Lady Vita. Look at that old school handle. I bought this in college and I keep saying I should stop bragging that I've used it with no problems for ... um ... many years. Don't want to jinx her.
Don't think I will.
Anyway, between the few minutes of chopping the berries and chiffonading the larger basil leaves and the ten seconds of blending, this "recipe" comes together quick. Well. Then there's a couple hours of dehydrating.
I really wanted to tip this tray on it's side and drink it. So good. Glad I waited though, because the fruit rolls are even better!
strawberry basil fruit rolls
gluten free, vegan, no added sugar
2 quarts fresh strawberries
1 large bunch (1 cup) fresh basil leavesΒ
Blend in high powered blender until smooth. Pour onto solid sheet for dehydrator, spread to a Β½ inch thickness (thinner might rip or crack). Dehydrate at 130 for 3-4 hours. Alternately, you can pour into plastic wrap on a baking sheet, place in oven on 120 with door open for... several more hours.
These taste amazing! They have the fruity sweet flavor of the strawberries, and the basil is strong in the best way possible.
Are you a basil fan? How about a Basil fan?Β Β π
Do you like fruit rolls? Favorite flavor?
Val says
we made these yesterday in my new dehydrator, so good and very easy to boot! I am exploring raw so I like that these are, no cook no sugar and doesn't need it! thank you betty
Yum Yucky says
Thinks to self: "I can't believe she made a homemade fruit roll up. So very fancy."
spabettie says
hi Josie! π I have wanted a dehydrator for SO long, and partly because I envisioned making these without all the junk that's normally in them. they are seriously SO easy! (and actually I don't know why I've waited - since making these I have had many people tell me they can be made in the oven!) π
anyway, wow - can you tell I'm excited by all this? π
janetha says
from the title, i thought for sure you'd pureed basil into a rollup =O
spabettie says
Basil PUP?? ouch. basil the HERB?? yes, and a lot. and it was GOOD. π
janetha says
haha yes i meant the pup but was joshin π
spabettie says
I am picturing it now - you bending down to grab Basil and Basil RUNNING out of the kitchen! π
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
I cannot believe this! Awesome awesome awesome! π (Oh, I need such a dehydrating thing ASAP!!! π― )
spabettie says
I know!! I so wish we were neighbors and I could bring you treats like these! π
Kath (My Funny Little Life) says
That would be heaven on foodie earth! π
Kris @Krazy_Kris says
oh WOW!
first... the combo? brilliant!
next - that's the prettiest little roll up I've ever seen!
and - yes - the PIX!
STUNNING.
lovely - oh - so - lovely !
spabettie says
thank you! the flavor is AAAAMMMMMAAAAAA ZING ! π and thank you - I wasn't really jazzed about the photos, but everyone else is liking them! π
Kristy Lynn @ Gastronomical Sovereignty says
what a clever monkey you are! i won't/can't bring myself to eat the processed variety you get in the stores - excellent alternative!
Jeremy says
thank you bettie, we just made this yesterday. only a TAD skeptical that no sweetner was necessary, until I tasted from the blender - perfectly sweet as is!!
lindsay says
oh wow these look fabulous! You certainly are loving that dehydrator! I want one so badly your posts might just convince me to splurge π
By the way I love that story about naming your dog! I always wondered how your pronounced your pup's name, but now that I know you named him after the herb, well I know! hehe
spabettie says
I really am loving this dehydrator - it's like a new toy! I have another fun one coming up soon... π
Richa@HobbyandMore says
lovely.. i am getting a dehydrator next summer for sure!.. the produce is all going downhill already..
Christine @ Merf In Progress says
I'm a basil fan AND a Basil fan! and a fruit roll fan, mmm.
spabettie says
I was SO excited about these - I love fruit rolls, and this was TOO easy!! Basil sends love and wags...