Q&A: Trail Mix

Lyndsey writes:

Terri,

I am wanting to make a good trail mix to have on hand for the kids (and myself) to munch on. I don't really want to do the raisin, M&M, pretzel trail mix (actually that's EXACTLY what I'd like to do) but was thinking I'd like some crunchy oats in there. Do you suggest coating oats with honey or molasses and baking for a bit?
Thanks and I love your blog!




The main problem with trail mix is that the typical ingredients such as dried fruit and nuts (and of course, M&Ms) are really calorie-dense foods- you can only eat about 1/4 cup for a reasonable number of calories. It's ok to use these ingredients but I would recommend mixing in some whole grain cereals like puffed brown rice, wheat chex, or cheerios to add some volume and help you feel satisfied without adding too many extra calories. Your own homemade granola would also go well in a trail mix, but beware of store-bought versions that are way too high in fat. Your don't even need to add any oil to your recipe to make it good. Try this:

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (a mixture is good, too)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup of raw nuts or seeds of your choice (I love walnuts or almonds with flax seeds)

Mix oats, nuts/seeds and cinnamon in a large bowl. Drizzle honey or maple syrup over oats, stir really well to combine. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray and spread mixture evenly. Bake at 325 degrees, stirring every 15 minutes or so, until the oats are a deep golden color and the nuts are toasted.

Baking the granola long enough is essential to really bring out the flavor.

Thanks for writing, Lyndsey!