Spent your fair share of time perusing the crowded nut aisle at Trader Joe’s, but find yourself just a little uninspired? Consider this: Trail mix is simply a combo of fruit and nuts (and sometimes, maybe sweets) — a combination pretty much begging for a little hands-on action. Perhaps it’s time to shake up one of these three smart-snacking recipes, all sure to get you right through a mid-day slump.
Pumpkin + Cherry + Maple Trail Mix
2 c baby pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 c slivered almonds
3/4 c raw sunflower seeds
1 c dried cherries or cranberries
6 tbsp pure Grade B maple syrup
coarse salt to taste
Preheat oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the nuts and seeds with the maple syrup until evenly coated. Spread the mix out in a single layer on the lined baking sheets and season with salt to taste. Bake the nuts for about 20 minutes, until just golden, stirring occasionally with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cool the nuts completely on the pan, then add the berries and toss to combine. Store cooled trail mix in an airtight glass container at room temperature.
Paleo Mix
1 c raw cashews
1 c raw almonds
1 cup raw walnut pieces or halves
1 c raw pecans
1/2 c raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 c raw cacao nibs
1/2 c dried blueberries
1/2 c unsulphured cherries
1/4 c raisins
3/4 c unsweetened coconut chips
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the coconut chips onto a baking sheet and bake for 3 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake for another 2 minutes. Pull the chips out when they are golden brown; allow to cool. Mix remaining ingredients together in a large bowl, adding the coco chips last. Store cooled trail mix in an airtight glass container at room temperature.
Looking for a no-bake recipe? This gourmet blend is a sure winner:
No-Bake Gourmet Blend Trail Mix
2 c salted, roasted peanuts
1 c whole salted, roasted almonds
1 c whole salted, roasted cashews
1 c good quality milk chocolate chips
1 c dried blueberries
1 c dried cherries
¼ c crystallized ginger, finely chopped
½ c unsweetened, flaked coconut
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. Store cooled trail mix in an airtight glass container at room temperature.
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