Dehydrators have transitioned from the kitchens of the world's best chefs onto the wedding registry-and this book reveals why. There's no dinner party with friends, school lunchbox, or weekend-backpack dry bag that isn't made more delicious and nutritious thanks to a dehydrator. In this book are the secrets of creating who-knew treats: all kinds of jerky, fruit leathers, savory vegetable crisps, flavor-packed powders that add oomph to your cooking, and perfect melt-in-your-mouth meringues. Eighty recipes include ways to incorporate your dried creations in your baking, cooking, and cocktails. Maybe you didn't know you needed a dehydrator. Now you do!

Sara Dickerman is a James Beard Award-winning food and travel writer for Slate, the New York Times, Bon Appétit, and Food & Wine. She lives in Seattle, Washington.