[New shoot]

I've done some strawberry slices and am now eyeing up the herbs.  The thyme and marjoram in particular have grown huge this spring and home dried knocks the spots of shop bought 

[Aidy]

not be long, the chillies are coming on a treat now 

[New shoot]

Beat you there Aidy    I've already dried some chillies but I have loads more on the way.

Also dried tomato slices, beans and courgette, but got my eyes on the apples now 

[Aidy]

no beans this year, still eating last years 

Why oh why do you dry courgettes   

[New shoot]

Why oh why do you dry courgettes   

'Cos I can 

I don't make a thing of it, but if I have other stuff going, a spare tray and some courgettes lurking around, they get dried.  I tend to flavour them before drying and this years are getting lemon and garlic, which they hoover up.  They're actually pretty good 

[Kate and her Ducks]

Ooh that sounds good, how do you flavour them? Before or after they are dried?

I've started on the chillies and apples and a few extra tomatoes.

[New shoot]

how do you flavour them? Before or after they are dried?

Before.  I get them in a bowl marinating while I prep the rest of the veg I am drying.  It seems to work best if you include some liquid content.  I've done just dried herbs and spices before and they all fall off in the dehydrator.

Fresh chilli and garlic is also good.   Freeze the chilli and microplane it