Are you ready for the cozy embrace of autumn? Crisp air, colorful leaves, and… the irresistible crunch of a perfectly seasoned fall snack mix! This easy recipe is the ultimate homemade comfort food, perfect for movie nights, game days, or simply enjoying a delicious and healthy snack while admiring the changing leaves. Forget those bland, store-bought mixes – this recipe lets you control the ingredients, ensuring a flavour explosion that's uniquely yours. Let's dive into this quick and easy recipe that's perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs.
Ingredients: A Harvest of Flavor
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. However, here's a delicious starting point:
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), lightly toasted
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup mini pretzels
- ½ cup roasted and salted peanuts
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy as Pie (or Snack Mix!)
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Prep Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). If your pumpkin seeds aren't already toasted, spread them on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let everything cool completely.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, pecans, dried cranberries, pretzels, and peanuts.
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Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
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Dress the Mix: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Make sure all the nuts and seeds are well-distributed.
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Bake to Perfection: Spread the snack mix in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mix is fragrant and slightly toasted. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
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Cool and Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the snack mix cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This allows the flavors to meld and the mix to crisp up further.
Cooking Tips for Snack Mix Success
- Toasting Nuts and Seeds: Toasting your nuts and seeds before adding them to the mix enhances their flavor and creates a more satisfying crunch.
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can lead to a burnt snack mix, so keep a close eye on it while it's in the oven.
- Storage: Store your finished snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Variations: Spice Up Your Snack Mix!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Chocolate Cravings: Stir in some dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for a decadent treat.
- Fruity Fun: Experiment with different dried fruits like apricots, cherries, or even chopped apples.
- Salty Sweet: Add some yogurt-covered pretzels for an extra layer of sweet and salty goodness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to calculate your own values based on the brands you choose.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This fall snack mix is a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. It's a fantastic way to celebrate the autumn season and a perfect addition to any gathering or a quiet evening at home. Enjoy!