Sweet and salty trail mix is a popular and convenient snack for outdoor enthusiasts that provides quick energy and is easy to store and transport. A basic recipe for sweet and salty trail mix includes roasted almonds, cashews, pretzels, dried cranberries, M&Ms or chocolate chips, and sea salt. The recipe provides guidelines on how to prepare each ingredient and mix them together before storing in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Variations to the basic recipe include adding different types of nuts, dried fruit, cereals, seeds, or spices to create a personalized trail mix.
Sweet and Salty Trail Mix: A Perfect Snack for Hiking and Outdoors
Trail mix is a popular snack among outdoor enthusiasts due to its convenience and variety of ingredients. It is perfect for hiking and camping trips as it provides quick energy and is easy to store and transport. Sweet and salty trail mix is a delicious and healthy snack that is easy to prepare and customize according to personal preferences. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide and recipe for making sweet and salty trail mix.
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
The first step in making sweet and salty trail mix is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Below is a list of ingredients needed to make a basic sweet and salty trail mix:
- 1 cup of roasted almonds
- 1 cup of cashews
- 1 cup of pretzels
- 1 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup of M&Ms or chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, the next step is to prepare them. Here are some guidelines on how to prepare each ingredient:
- Roasted Almonds: Place almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool before adding to the trail mix.
- Cashews: Toast cashews in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool before adding to the trail mix.
- Pretzels: Break the pretzels into small pieces and add to the trail mix.
- Dried Cranberries: Add the dried cranberries to the trail mix.
- M&Ms or Chocolate Chips: Add M&Ms or chocolate chips to the trail mix.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle the sea salt over the trail mix and stir to combine evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Once all the ingredients are prepared, the next step is to mix them together. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix thoroughly to combine.
Step 4: Store the Trail Mix
After the trail mix is mixed, transfer it to an airtight container such as a mason jar or plastic container with a lid. The trail mix can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Variations
Sweet and salty trail mix can be customized according to personal preferences. Here are some variations to the basic recipe:
- Add roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
- Use different types of nuts such as pecans, walnuts or peanuts.
- Add dried apricots or figs for a different fruity flavor.
- Swap out pretzels for cereal such as Cheerios or Chex.
- Add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Sweet and salty trail mix is a tasty and healthy snack that is perfect for outdoor adventures. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can create a customized trail mix that is perfect for your next hiking or camping trip. Use this step-by-step guide and recipe as a starting point and have fun experimenting with different ingredients to create your perfect sweet and salty trail mix.