Well, a lot has happened since I last wrote. I was able to rehome the 3 roosters that I was unable to keep due to city ordinances. Luckily a lady contacted me about taking them to her farm just north of us, so they were all able to stay together.
I am also continuing to learn more about how and what can be freeze dried. Now let me tell you, this has been quite the learning experience! First thing I learned, chocolate does NOT freeze dry. It MELTS into a big sticky mess. Second, put strong flavored items on the TOP rung of the machine, not the bottom. Pickled flavored strawberries are not a good thing. Third, make sure the oil in the pump is clean. It will not form a good vacuum otherwise.
I think we have finally figured out, for the most part, how this confounded machine works and have had a couple successful freezes. SKITTLES are the BOMB!
So, Keep learning!
Pleasant Garden Homestead 