Time to Mix it Up - Trail Mix Recipe

In between shifts of shoveling this past winter, no doubt you longed for spring days where you could return to your favorite pastimes. Whether that is a hike, a bike ride or getting the garden in gear, one thing is certain: time outside is a welcome friend and all-day energy sources are needed to make the most of it.

Trail mix has come a long way since it came on to the nutrition scene in the late 1960s as a mix of raisins and peanuts eaten as a quick energy booster.  Today, countless varieties exist, marrying seeds, nuts, dried fruit and even chocolate to satisfy the health and hunger cravings of many.

Snack mixes are quick and easy to prepare and a fun activity to share with the kids. They are lightweight for travel and can be made in advance and stored for well for several weeks.

Pre-made mixes are sold in supermarkets and natural food stores, but can often come with a substantial price. Buying the ingredients in the recipes below and mixing them is far more cost effective. Today, most items are available in a standard supermarket given that almost all stores now house a section featuring natural foods.

Once prepared, trail mix can be stored in air-tight bags and containers for several weeks. Enjoy your spring.

SAVORY SPRING MIX

Prep time: 10 minutes.

Cook time: 3 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bag (2.9 ounces) microwave popcorn, popped

• 1/4 cup sesame sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoon roasted and salted pumpkin seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Olive oil-flavor cooking spray
• 1-1/4 cup raisins

PROCEDURE

Stir all ingredients except cooking spray and raisins together in a large bowl. Spray with cooking spray, tossing gently, until popcorn is well coated with spices; stir in raisins.

SWEET SNACKER MIX

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 cups Chex-style cereal (any variety)
• 1 cup teddy bear-shaped graham snacks
• 1/2 cup honey-roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup candy-coated chocolate candies or jelly beans

Place all ingredients together and mix with a spoon. Store in air-tight bags or containers.

SWEET AND SPICY TRAIL MIX

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 cups fish-shaped cheddar cheese flavored crackers
• 1 1/2 cups cocktail peanuts
• 1 1/2 cups wasabi peas
• 1 1/4 cups dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 275°F.

Line 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil; spray foil with cooking spray. In 1-quart saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter and honey. Cook over medium-low heat until butter is melted and mixture comes to a full rolling boil. Reduce heat to low; boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.

In large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients except dried cranberries. Pour brown sugar mixture over cracker mixture; toss to coat. Spoon on to foil-lined baking pan. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until mixture bubbles on pan and crackers start to brown, stirring twice. Remove from oven and stir in dried cranberries. Set aside to cool, stirring every 10 minutes to break up clusters. When completely cool, store in covered container.