My first crispy nuts, need some info :)

[ccasanova]

I have my first batch of crispy pinenuts in the oven right now. The only thing is that my over only goes down to 170 degrees and the book says no more then 150 degrees, so what should i do? Has anyone done them at 170 degrees and was it ok? thanks!

[sparkletruck]

I just turn my oven on for a minute so that it warms some, but not up to the temp on the dial (my lowest is 200). I do this several times over the day that the nuts are in there. I suppose if you wanted to know the oven temp for sure you could put a thermometer on the rack...

[quietserena]

Mine is the same way. I think once I go down the crispy nuts road, I'll just preheat the oven to 170 and the turn it off and back on when I remember. My hope is that this keeps it in the sufficiently cool range.

I haven't tried it though, so no idea whether it'll work like that.

[mamainmotion]

Mine only goes down to 170 too.
I have used it for walnuts and chopped almonds.
They are done in a just a few hours.
Keep flipping them every hour or so and testing.
Mine turned out great.

[ccasanova]

thanks! i'll go turn off my oven right now, and let them sit in the warmth!

[ccasanova]

one more question, do they need to be layered in a single layer only? I have some sitting in a cake pan, but they are not a single layer. thanks!

[Chicharronita]

Originally Posted by ccasanova

one more question, do they need to be layered in a single layer only? I have some sitting in a cake pan, but they are not a single layer. thanks!

They dry quicker if they are in a single layer.

[ccasanova]

ok, one more question will the nuts be as crunchy as they were before I soaked them? My pine nuts feeldry to the touch but when I bite them, they are not as crunchy as they were yesterday. Should I leave them in a bit longer?

[rstump]

THey ar hard on the outside and usually softer/hollow on the inside. Atleast I find that with almonds. You want them totally dry but the consistency definitely changes....no longer HARD like a raw nut.

[Severine]

Can I add a new element to this since my question is crispy nuts related?

Those of you who use dehydrators for your crispy nuts - how long does it usually take in the dehydrator for them to dry? Tonight is my first batch in the dehydrator and I have them going at 95 degrees or so (based on the recommendation of the book that came with the machine). I have cashews, almonds, and pecans going at the same time in a Nesco. The brand says they tend to dehydrate faster than others, but I'm still not sure what to expect. I know NT says 12-24 hours, but the info book that came with my dehydrator said something like 4-8 hours. Any thoughts?