Kim's Organic Trail Mix

Lately my family and I have been into eating healthy organic snacks. Trail mix has always been a favorite snack of ours and for my son's third birthday party I made a yummy treat everyone seemed to enjoy ... organic trail mix! People seemed to love the combination on nuts, fruit and chocolate and also the flavor of the mix.  There are trail mixes out there that can be hazardous to your health, so try making this recipe instead. You'll feel energized and ready for the rest of the day!

It lasts for up to two weeks so it is a great thing to make in bulk and pack with lunches instead of those sugary granola bars. This organic trail mix is packed with protein and satisfies your sweet and savory tooth! One tip for you as nuts can be a bit expensive, head to Trader Joe's. They have the best variety and cheapest prices when it comes to nuts and other yummy treats you can add to your trail mix. Don't be afraid to change something in my mix if you don't like it (example: take out the cashews and add macadamia nuts OR add coconut to it!). Cooking should be a fun way to express yourself — it should also include ingredients you and your family love.

The spices in this mix might seem a little strange, but they work beautifully together. I do not like spicy things. The cayenne does not make it spicy, just gives it a unique flavor that I think you'll enjoy.

Kim's Organic Trail Mix

* Try to use all organic ingredients if you can find them.

* This recipe makes a BIG tupperware full (you may want to cut recipe in half and see how much you get through before making it in bulk like I did).

Ingredients

2 cups raw pecans

1 and 1/3 cups raw cashews

1 and 1/3 cups raw pepitas

2 cups raw almonds

1 and 1/3 cup raw pistachios

4 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 tsp salt

1 tsp crushed rosemary

1 tsp curry powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

8 oz golden berry blend (by Trader Joe's, but you could use 8 oz of any dried fruit)

10 oz banana chips

8 oz dark chocolate pieces (you could use chocolate chips if you prefer)

cooking spray

Directions

1) Heat oven to 325. Mix the nuts and seeds in a bowl. Add the maple syrup and spices and mix well.

2) Spray 2 baking sheets with cooking spray and pour the nut mixture evenly onto the 2 sheets.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes stirring twice — at the 7 and 14 minute marks.

3) Remove from the oven and be sure to let cool completely.

4) Pour the nuts into a big tupperware and add dried fruit, banana chips and chocolate. Mix all together.

5) Enjoy for up to 2 weeks (keep in airtight tupperware).

Enjoy eating healthy!