Either on the stove top or microwave bring the one quart of water to a simmer. Remove from the heat, add the salt and sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the lemon, garlic and bay leaf. Place in the refrigerator until the liquid is chilled.

Add the shrimp to the brine and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours.

Drain the shrimp and place them in a pot. Add enough water to cover the shrimp. Bring the water to a slow simmer and cook until they are just cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Drain the shrimp well and discard the other ingredients. Place the shrimp onto your dehydrator trays, ensuring the shrimp are not touching one another.

Set the dehydrator to 145 degrees and dry them for one hour.

Reduce the temperature to 120 degrees and continue to dry them until they break apart easily. The drying time will vary depending on the size of your shrimp.